|
Black Birch
(Betula lenta) |
 |
|
Growing in forests throughout eastern North America, this common native tree's cambium (the green layer under the bark) contains the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oil of wintergreen, which you can smell if you scratch-and-sniff the twigs or bark.
Chew on the delicious twigs like chewing gum (this also alleviates bad breath), or steep them for tea. A strong cup may be the equivalent of 1/4 to 1/2 an aspirin. |
 |
|
Black Birch Twig
Note the alternate (unpaired), elliptical, short-stalked, finely toothed (serrated), pointed leaves, the slender twigs, and short, pointed leaf buds. Pen-and-ink drawing by "Wildman" |
 |
|
Black Birch Leaves and Twigs
Note the prominent, evenly spaced veins forming the letter "V" on the leaves. |
 |
|
Black Birch Catkins
Male catkins appear in the winter, before the leaves develop, and release pollen into the wind in early spring. Pen-and-ink drawing by "Wildman" |
 |
|
The smooth, grey bark is puncuated by horizontal lenticels, which let the tree breath. Unlike cherry trees, the bark isn't riddled with cracks. |
 |
|
Black Birch with Female Flowers
The female flowers appear in early spring. |
 |
|
Violet Brill Chewing on a Black Birch Twig
Chewing on the twigs tastes great, and it reduces the pain of teething. |