Paper birch, Canoe Birch, White birch
It is a temperate plant. It is very cold hardy. It grows on forest edges and lake shores. It will grow on a variety of soils. It cannot tolerate shade. It suits hardiness zones 2-8. Arboretum Tasmania.
Edible Portion
- Flowers, Leaves, Sap, Bark, Leaves - tea
Where does Paper birch grow?
Found in: Alaska, Australia, Canada, Greenland, North America, Tasmania, United States
Notes: There are about 60 Betula species. They grow in cool north temperate climates. The bark has high levels of betulinic acid and may have anti-cancer properties.
Status: Birch syrup is produced commercially in Alaska.
Growing Paper birch, Canoe Birch, White birch
Cultivation: Plants are grown from seed.
Edible Uses: The very young leaves, shoots and catkins can be eaten in salads or stir-fried dishes. The sap is used for a drink and can be boiled down to syrup or sugar. It can be used to make birch beer or vinegar. Birch syrup is used for ice cream, pancakes and in cocoa and coffee drinks. The young leaves are used for tea.
Production: Trees live for 120 years. Sap flow is best on sunny days after a frost.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowers | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Leaves | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Sap | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Bark | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Leaves - tea | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Paper birch, Canoe Birch, White birch Photos
References
Arbust. amer. 19. 1785
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