The Tree Library
Common name: ruwe berk (NL) blanke bjirk (Fryske) Silver Birch (EN)
Native range: Europe, Native
Pollination: wind
Seed dispersal: wind
Conservation: Least concern (IUCN, last assessed 2014)
The ruwe berk, a broadleaved tree found mostly in Northern Europe, is an important species used in forest regeneration. Its importance is centered around its ability to grow fast, improve soil conditions and protect young plants from the cold. The flowers of this tree appear in April and the fruits are ready to ripe in August.
USES:
The ruwe berk has multiple uses in the kitchen, medicine and timber. It has been used for a long time for its wood and there are a number of recipes using the bark and leaves, including a recipe for a beer. It can be irritating but it has sme uses as medicine.
The tree looks like this in winter
and the bark…
References and more information can be found at:
Plants of the World (Kew Botanical Garden)