Understanding and conserving the diversity of the County Durham Landscape

Downy Birch

Betula pubescens

Status

Native

Distribution

Widespread with a western emphasis. Particularly characteristic of the North Pennines and West Durham Coalfield.

Habitats

Damp & waterlogged woodland, carr & scrub, watercourses, heathland, road verges, railway banks. A component of many semi-natural woodlands in the county in association with oak, particularly on wetter acidic soils.

Requirements

Will grow on most soils. Tolerant of wet, exposed & infertile sites. Light demanding.

Recommendations

A useful pioneer species on poorly drained or otherwise difficult sites producing strong and light but small dimension timber. Suitable as a woodland fringe and nurse species for general planting, particularly in the uplands and upland fringes.

Origins/provenance

Existing populations are predominantly wild. Both pollen and seed carry considerable distances. Use plants of local provenance or FC seed zones 302 & 204.

Notes

Birch hybridises freely and so individual trees found in the field may be intermediate in type, or hybrids, between Downy Birch and Silver Birch.

Further Information