Betula pendula - Birch - Seeds

Description

• Betulaceae Fagales
• Asia, Europe
• H 20m x L 10m
•  Z2 
• Perennial
• Synonyms : Silver Birch, European White Birch
• 1 packet of 40 seeds

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Details

Betula pendula is an elegant, fast-growing tree with a typical bark, white and smooth when young, gray and cracked as it ages

Young twigs are often drooping, giving the tree a graceful aspect

Birch leaves are triangular, pointed, serrated, of a pretty green

They are deciduous, and in the fall take on a magnificent golden color

The White Birch blooms at the end of winter

Its flowers are grouped into catkins and are pollinated by the wind

Betula pendula is a very hardy tree - pioneer and colonizer

It survives in very cold regions of the globe and resists to pollution

Betula pendula appreciates open locations

It grows easily on poor, acidic and siliceous soils, and thrives on both dry and moist soils

In spring, Birch Water is drawn from the trunc of this tree

Birch has many medicinal properties : Anti-cholesterolemia, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-rheumatic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, and Laxative

Traditionally, birch has been used in many ways

It was a source of Wood, Charcoal, Compost, Fiber, Fungicide, Glue, Paper, Repellent, Tannin

White Birch is also a source of dye, both wash and light fast

Spring leaves give bright Yellows

Summer leaves give dark Browns with iron salts

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Cultivation

The seeds of Betula pendula are sown on the surface of moist soil, as soon as they ripe in autumn, or later in winter and early spring

They germinate with the first spring warmth

Keep the young plants in the nursery for 2 years before transplanting to their final location

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Harvest & Use

Harvest the young leaves while still tender in spring for low-tannin dyes
Harvest the leaves in August for tannic dyes that will give different colors

Dry well for later uses

Learn to Use Birch Leaves for Dyeing with our Courses:

Internship Natural Dye on Wool and Colorimetry

Internship Master Class: Compound Colors and Colorimetry