Birch

There are two types of Birch native to Scotland, Downy and Silver.

Downy Birch is soft on the outside, tough on the inside. Mature trees can reach 30m in height forming a light canopy with elegant, drooping branches. Both male and female flowers are found on the same tree. After successful pollination by the wind female catkins thicken and change colour to a dark crimson. Masses of tiny seeds are bourne in autumn and dispersed by the wind.

Silver Birch is pretty, pale and a symbol of purity. It is easily distinguished with it’s silver-white bark. The leaves are similar to the downy birch; light green, small and triangular-shaped with a toothed edge. The downy birch leaves are more rounded at the base.