Why is silver birch bark white?
Silver birch is a pioneer deciduous tree known for slender branches, an open crown and white bark.
Structure, development and life cycle
The pale compound betulin is a major cause of white bark and may help reflect sunlight. Young bark can be dark and old lower trunks become fissured, so every section is not equally white. Small winged seeds travel by wind into open ground. Rapid colonization changes soil and shade conditions for later forest species.
Growing, uses and cautions
It favors sunny cool conditions, while prolonged hot dry roots increase stress. Shallow roots can be damaged by deep digging and compaction. A short-to-medium-lived pioneer is not ecologically unimportant; it supports insects, fungi and birds. Birch species should be selected for local climate.
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