Betula pendula, or Silver Birch, is a striking medium-sized deciduous tree famous for its eye-catching white bark - a feature that made it Finland's national tree. Standing 30-40 ft tall, it features a slender trunk under 15 inches in diameter with an elegant crown composed of arched branches and drooping branchlets. Often covered with black diamond-shaped marks, the trunk's white bark presents a unique aesthetic appeal. Silver Birch thrives in dry, sandy soils and displays dark green foliage in summer that turns yellow in fall. This tree is not just about the looks; its leaves are used in saunas for their relaxing aroma, while the bark makes durable, waterproof items like drinking vessels, canoe skins, and roofing tiles. Betula pendula also establishes a beneficial relationship with the mycorrhizal fungus, Amanita muscaria, particularly in acidic or nutrient-poor soils. The inner bark yields an oil similar to wintergreen oil, used medicinally and in refreshing tea, while the outer bark provides a quality charcoal for artists and papermakers alike. It is a resilient species, tolerating drought and wet conditions, but it prefers moist soil. It is an excellent addition to parks, gardens, or spaces needing an artful spark of natural beauty.
