Birch (Betula)

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Introduction

Easily recognizable for the horizontal lenticels on their thin, papery-plated bark, there are four native members of the genus Betula found throughout all three distinctive ecoregions of the expansive 'Souls area: the unassuming Bog Birch, the chalky Gray Birch, the ivory Paper Birch, the bronze-hued Yellow Birch. Birch trees are considered a pioneer species, making them especially prominent in places where there has been a disturbance, such as by wildfire or avalanche, as they are generally hardy and quick to grow. They are otherwise most often found in lowlands with the Bog Birch in particular preferring wetland habitats. Being monoecious, this species produces both male and female catkins (flowers) on a single plant. While birch bark, especially from the Paper Birch, is an invaluable resource, birch wood tends to be hard and difficult to work with by hand.

  • Toxicity: Potentially noxious but not lethal
Sources are mixed regarding the toxicity of birch trees. Birch bark contains naturally-occurring sugars that can be used to make xylitol, which is lethal to canines, and undiluted oil from the cambium layer of the trees can pose serious adverse symptoms. However, it is unlikely that Luperci are capable of creating substances concentrated enough to cause serious toxicity or death. That said, ingestion or topical use of birch-derived products in large quantities may lead to unpleasant symptoms.
  • Part: Bark; Oil
  • Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal distress, diarrhea (oral); Rash, irritation (topical)


Bog Birch

Appearance
Information
Because of its ability and readiness to hybridize with other, tree-type Birch species, Betula pumila can be a little bit of a tricky plant to correctly identify due to vast differences in its morphology. Non-hybridized specimens tend to grow no taller than 13ft (4m) and will have a bushy, multi-stemmed growth pattern while hybridized shrubs could be larger and look more tree-like. The serrated leaves of the Bog Birch are oval, sometimes oblong, in shape and are dark green with a lighter underside throughout the growing season, turning yellow as autumn approaches. Their flowers, like other Birch species, are green-brown catkins that are most prevalent between April-May. Its bark is dark in color, ranging from gray to reddish-brown, with pale lenticels present.
  • Habitat: Very Common
As its name most popular common name suggests, the Bog Birch is a moisture-loving plant that can be found exclusively in wetland habitats. With the exception of more acidic wetland environments, such as sphagnum bogs, this plant can be found easily in marshes, fens, along pond perimeters, and on the banks of streams.
Locations:
  • This shrub is most prevalent throughout the wetlands of the Miramichi Wilderness, with other frequent sightings among the lakes and tributaries of the rest of the 'Souls territory. Contrary to its name, the Bog Birch cannot support itself in the acidic environment of Canaan Bog and thus will not be found there.

Uses
Medicinal
Little is known about this shrub's usefulness medicinally. One source reports that Ojibwe peoples found use in it to aid in both gynecological and respiratory ways but it is not clear which parts of the plant were used or for what kinds of ailment. Using other Birch species for medicinal properties is recommended.
Other
  • Part: Wood
  • Usage: firewood; tar; charcoal
Visual References
Bog Birch leaves by Joshua Mayer@Flickr Bog Birch by Wikimedia Commons Bog Birch leaves and catkins by Wikimedia Commons


Gray Birch

Appearance
Information
With an average height of only 20–30ft (7–9m) tall and a trunk diameter of merely 15in (38cm), the Gray Birch is quite small when compared to other trees. It typically sports multiple stems growing up from its base, leaving its crown looking sparse and irregularly shaped. Although it is easily confused with its Paper Birch cousin, the bark of the Gray Birch does not readily peel and its color appears chalky when compared to the clear white of the Paper Birch. Dark, thick chevrons can be found on its bark where branches meet the trunk. Its leaves, which are long-stemmed, triangular, and taper to an elongated tip, are shiny and green throughout the growing season and turn yellow in autumn. It flowers in early spring, producing green-brown catkins, and its fruit (a brown nutlet) ripens in the fall. A short-lived birch, Betula populifolia does not typically live past 30 years and will break easily in high winds. The wood of the Gray Birch is softer than that of other species, making it easier to work with.
  • Habitat: Very Common
Preferring well-drained, sandy, poor soils, this tree is commonly found growing atop stream banks, along forest edges, and in areas of disturbance, such as burn zones or in places where clear-cutting had previously occurred.
Locations:

Uses
Medicinal
  • Part: Bark
  • Usage (topical): Astringent; anti-inflammatory
Other
  • Part: Wood
  • Usage: Woodworking (small woodenwares); firewood; tar; charcoal; pulp
Visual References
Chevrons on Gray Birch bark by Wikimedia Commons Gray Birch stands by Nicholas_T@Flickr Gray Birch leaves by Wikimedia Commons Gray Birch catkins by Wikimedia Commons


Paper Birch

Appearance
Information
  • Species: Betula papyrifera
  • Common Names: American White Birch, Canoe Birch
  • Description:
Arguably the most recognizable and utilitarian Birch species endemic to the 'Souls area, the Paper Birch is a favorite among many. Although taller than its cousins, Betula papyrifera is still only a medium-sized tree, reaching an average height of 60ft (18m) and diameter of 30in (75cm). Most characteristic is the tree's inky black lenticels against its bright white bark, which peels in horizontal strips as it ages, revealing a salmon-hued inner bark. Its leaves are a dark green with pointy, double serrated margins. The Paper Birch typically flowers between April-May, producing catkins that range from green (female) to brown (male). Come fall, its leaves turn bright yellow and its fruit matures, eventually dropping from about September into the following spring. Carried by the wind, Luperci may see its tiny seeds drifting along the surface of the snow.
  • Habitat: Very Common
A sun-loving pioneer tree, the Paper Birch will be most commonly found in areas of disturbance, forest edges, and sparse woodlands. While it prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil, it can withstand a variety of different soil types, from rocky outcrops to low-lying peatlands. Usually seen in a stand with members of its own species, the Paper Birch is also commonly seen growing alongside Spruce trees and Balsam Firs as well as associating with other broadleaved trees, such as White Poplars, Maples, and its other two Birch tree cousins.
Locations:

Uses
Medicinal
  • Part: Bark
  • Usage (topical): Birch bark can be soaked until moist in water, and then formed into a cast for a broken arm.
Other
Visual References
Paper Birch leaves by Wikimedia Commons Peeling Paper Birch bark by Wikimedia Commons Paper Birch trees by Wikimedia Commons Paper Birch catkins by Wikimedia Commons


Yellow Birch

Appearance
Information
It is a medium-sized deciduous tree reaching 20 m tall (exceptionally to 30 m). The bark is smooth, yellow-bronze, flaking in fine horizontal strips, and often with small black marks and scars.
  • Habitat: Very Common
Found throughout 'Souls forests in great number.
Locations:
  • --

Uses
Medicinal
  • Part: Bark
  • Usage (topical): Astringent; anti-inflammatory
Other
  • Part: Wood
  • Usage: The twigs, when scraped, have a slight scent of wintergreen.
Visual References
Yellow Birch leaves by Wikimedia Commons Yellow Birch bark by Wikimedia Commons Yellow Birch leaves and catkins by Wikimedia Commons Yellow Birch catkins by Wikimedia Commons Young Yellow Birch by Wikimedia Commons Mature Yellow Birch bark by Wikimedia Commons


'Souls

  • Hey, did your character do something cool with this plant?
  • Or maybe your pack has it for trade?

Additional Resources


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