Birch (Downy)

Common Name

Downy Birch

Latin Name

Betula pubescens

Status

Native.

Distribution

Widespread with a western emphasis. Particularly characteristic of the North Pennines and West Durham Coalfield

Habitats

Damp and waterlogged woodland, carr and scrub, watercourses, heathland, road verges, railway banks. A component of many semi-natural woodlands in the county in association with oak, particularly on wetter acidic soils.

Requirements

Will grow on most soils. Tolerant of wet, exposed and infertile sites. Light demanding.

Recommendations

A useful pioneer species on poorly drained or otherwise difficult sites producing strong and light but small dimension timber. Suitable as a woodland fringe and nurse species for general planting, particularly in the uplands and upland fringes.

Origins/provenance

Existing populations are predominantly wild. Both pollen and seed carry considerable distances. Use plants of local provenance or FC seed zones 302 and 204.

Notes

Birch hybridises freely and so individual trees found in the field may be intermediate in type, or hybrids, between Downy Birch and Silver Birch.