shopping Birch - one variety
Birch bark, c/s imagelearn more
[ 292 ]Betula alba

Birch Bark Cut & Sifted

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1/4 Pound:  $6.57 Pound:  $14.61 out of stock   |   ETA: 01/10/2025  
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Wholesale Birch

Betula alba
plant overview
birch for beverage flavor

Birch is a broadleaf tree in the same family as hazel and alder. Because the birch bark is speckled with dark patches that resemble peering eyes, it has been dubbed the watchful tree of the North American landscape, although it’s actually native to Europe. The bark lends a camphor-like flavor to teas and other beverages. We offer bulk birch bark and wholesale birch bark. It can be used to make birch bark extract and for making birch bark oil.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual product pages for details.

01.
A Bit of Botany

a bit of botanical information on birch

description
Betula alba is a deciduous tree of the Betulaceae family that can reach heights of 50-80 ft. The tree has a slender trunk with white bark that often has black diamond-shaped marks or larger patches, particularly at the base.

The shoots are rough with small warts and are hairless. The leaves are 1-2 inches long, triangular with a broad base and pointed tip, and have coarsely double-toothed serrated margins.

The flowers are wind-pollinated catkins, produced before the leaves in early spring. The small winged seeds ripen in late summer on pendulous, cylindrical catkins.

common names
& nomenclature
The name is a very ancient one, probably derived from the Sanscrit bhurga, 'a tree whose bark is used for writing upon.' From its uses in boat-building and roofing it is also connected with the A.S. beorgan, 'to protect or shelter.'

Also known as:
white birch, paper birch, canoe birch, bouleau, berke, bereza, betula pendula, betula pubescens, betula verrucosa, abedul, arbre de sagesse, betula, biole, bois à balais, boulard, bouleau blanc, bouleau odorant, downy birch, sceptre des maîtres d’école, and silver birch

Birch, the European beverage tree

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for birch

Birch is native to Europe, in southern Europe it is only found at higher altitudes. Its range extends into southwest Asia in the mountains of northern Turkey and the Caucasus.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing birch

climate
Birch trees grow best in partial to full sunlight.

soil
Birch treesthrive in moist soil that stays cool. They have shallow roots and cannot handle short periods of drought. Plant the birch in soils with a pH level between 5.0 and 6.5. Refrain from planting in compact soils or soils that may become compacted in the future, such as near driveways or sidewalks.

growing
Birch can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

For seeds: capture seed pods from a birch tree in August when they start to fall from the branches and flutter to the ground. Place seeds in containers with well-rotted compost and humus. Cover with a little soil and water until damp, but not drenched. Place the container in a plastic bag. Place the plastic-wrapped container in an unheated area, like a garage or shed, as the seeds need a period of cold rest time until the early spring when the threat of frost has passed.

For cuttings: take a 5 to 8 inch cutting from the current year's growth, making the cut just below a leaf node. Remove all leaves from the lower 3 inches of the cutting, and place the cutting in a root hormone solution. Allow it to soak for 1 day. Place it in a pot filled with an equal amount of peat moss and sand. Plant the sprouted seed or branch cutting in cool, moist soil.

The branch can be planted after 8 weeks; the sprouted seed can be planted after 6 to 8 months. The young tree should be planted where it will receive sunshine for most of the day, plant in late April or early May (when the danger of frost has passed). Be sure to mulch with wood chips, leaf compost or shredded bark.

harvesting
The white bark naturally will begin to loosen or uncurl from the trunk; the loose bark is peeled off and separated into thin layers. The bark is dried and then cut into small pieces.

preserving
Once the birch bark is cut and dried, store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story


Health benefits

Birch has a variety of anti-inflammatory compounds and is mostly used to make salves and other topical formulations to counter various skin conditions. Birch is also used for joint pain, kidney stones, bladder stones, dandruff and hair loss.

What to do with birch bark

Infuse for use in shampoos and hair rinses, or powder for use as a natural tooth powder. Birch bark is also used to make topical skin care preparations. It can be used for adding to tea blends and other beverages.

How to make birch bark tea

Place in a pan and pour hot (but not boiling) water over them. Let the mixture steep until it’s cool and strain the twigs and impurities from the water with a tea strainer. Heat again and serve warm with milk and a dash of honey.

How to make birch bark candles

While there are a variety of ways to make birch bark candles, this is on simply method. You will need sheet or large pieces of birch bark and a spray adhesive. Simply use the spay adhesive to wrap the candle in the birch bark. Then decorate as you see fit with twine, acorns or other elements.

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for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.