Alnoides Birch (Betula alnoides)

Family: Betulaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Betula alnoides is a deciduous Tree growing to 40 m (131ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Inner bark - can be dried, then ground into a powder and added to flour for use in making bread, cakes etc. Inner bark is generally only seen as a famine food, used when other forms of starch are not available or are in short supply. — Inner bark - can be dried, then ground into a powder and added to flour for use in making bread, cakes etc.; Inner bark is generally only seen as a famine food, used when other forms of starch are not available or are in short supply.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests, ravines and streamsides, Himachel Pradesh to S.W. China, 1500 - 2700 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)