Birch is the name given to any tree of the genus Betula in the family of Betulaceae. It is closely related to beech/oak family, Fagaceae . Birch trees are suitable for small gardens as they are generally small to medium-size trees or shrubs. Easy to grow and quick to establish. They need full sun or light shade in well-drained soil. Their attractive barks and good autumn colors make them graceful trees to be planted.
Birch trees can be found in temperate climates and are catkin-bearing trees. Catkin is a slim, cylindrical flower cluster with inconspicuous or no petals, usually wind pollinated. The fruit is a small samara ( flattened wing of fibrous, papery tissue develops from the ovary wall).
Barks of birch tress have characteristically marked, long horizontal lenticels, and separates into thin paper plates like in the Paper Birch. Birch trees have many usages, like made into furniture, skateboards, model aircraft and paper. The birch is the state tree of New Hampshire and also considered as the national tree of Russia.
Birch in autumn http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2011-11-06_12-39-52_D%C3%B6rflingen,_Hinterdorf.jpg Hansueli Krapf
Birch http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Puslichevo_2011_09_18_50039.jpg Anna Anichkova
Birch in winter http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Birches-oliv.jpg Olegivvit
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2011-11-06_12-39-52_D%C3%B6rflingen,_Hinterdorf.jpg
Hansueli Krapf
