White Birch (Betula pubescens)

Family: Betulaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Betula pubescens is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 1. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from August to 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. It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers, Sap/Syrup, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour. — Inner bark - cooked or dried, ground into a powder then used with cereals for making bread 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.; Sap - raw or cooked.; Harvested in early spring, before the leaves unfurl, by tapping the trunk.

Habitat & North American Range

Open woodland and heaths, usually on acid soils, from sea level to 830 metres. (Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)