Birch

Growth form:

Birch is a thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree.

General habitat:

Temperate and Boreal forests They are a typically rather short-lived pioneer species widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in northern areas of temperate climates and in boreal climates.

Uses:

• Wood pulp is used to make resilient paper
• Birch bark harvested in winter is also used as an alternative to hides for writing and records

Medicinal: Birch bark can be soaked until moist in water, and then formed into a cast for a broken arm.

Outside Info:

Harpers: Birch is valuable in making drums and sound cabinets for instruments due to a natural resonance that peaks in the high and low frequencies.

Additional Info

Drums are often made from birch. It is one of the most popular drum woods. Birch drums have a natural boost in the high and low frequencies, which allows the drums to sound fuller.