# Silver Birch

## Betula pendula R.

NATURE | deciduous tree
LEAF | singular leaf
| Leaf edge: double saw-toothed
Leaf shape: triangular - egg-shaped
Nervation: feather-veined
FRUIT | nut
INFLORESCENCE | in amentums

Medical value: Young leaves contain saponins. These can be used to cure kidney inflammation and other ailments.
Use: The wood is quite soft and easy to work. It is often used for papermaking, furniture (especially in Scandinavia), parquet, toys, small tools, wooden shoes, skis and multiplex. It is a remarkable firewood, even when wet. The birch sap is sugary; often it is fermented into an alcoholic beverage. The sap can also be used as sweetener and shampoo.

Legend:

Bloom. All months in which we can find blooming specimens. Regional differences may occur.
Harvest Time. All months in which we can find ripe fruits on trees. Unripe fruit can be found earlier on trees and shrubs. Sometimes even throughout the year, as happens with trees such as pines, this fruit ripens over several years.
Both flowers and ripe fruit may occur at the same time in some months.