Downy birch

Betula pubescens

Height 8-14 m, bole up to 80 cm diameter. Deciduous. Branches twisting, seldom hang down, and form a round-headed tree. Bark is red-brown. Leaves are rounded, hairy on underside, margin toothed, 1.5-5.5 x 1.5-4-5 cm.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Throughout Europe to central Asia. Moist areas and mountain forests.

How does it reproduce or breed?

Male and female flowers occur in separate catkins on same tree. Open in April; male catkin is pendulous, female is smaller and more erect. Fruit stays on tree in winter, breaking up into winged, windborne seeds.

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