Birch

Birch (Lat. Betula is a genus of deciduous trees and shrubs in the birch family (Betulaceae). Birch is widely distributed in Northern Hemisphere; on the territory ofIt is one of the most widespread tree species in Russia. The total number of species is about one hundred[3] or slightly more[4]. Many birch species are widely distributed and most important forest-forming species, which largely determine the appearance and species composition of deciduous and coniferous-deciduous (mixed) forests in the temperate and cold parts Eurasia and North America.

Many parts of birch are used in agriculture: wood, bark, birch bark (the surface layer of bark), birch sap. Buds and leaves are used in medicine: infusions of buds and leaves-as a diuretic, bactericidal, wound-healing and antipyretic agent, and oil extract from birch buds - as a dermatological agent. Some species are used to create protective strips, as well as in decorative gardening.

Birch occupies an important place in the culture of the Slavs, Scandinavians, Finno-Ugric and other peoples.

The Latin generic name was borrowed from the Gallic language[5].

The Russian word "birch" comes from praslav. * berza, dating back to pra-ie .*b h erosos (compare lit. beržas, Latvian. bērzs, oset. bærž, al. - ind .bhurjah, al. - English beorc, English birch, German . Birke, Netherlands berk, norv. bjørk, sweden. björk), from the root *b h erĝ - "glow, turn white".

In other Slavic languages: belor. biarosa, ukr. birch, bolg. breza, serbohorv. breza, slovenia. brėza, Czech republic. bříza, poland. brzoza, V.-luzh. brěza, N.-luzh. brjaza[6]. Examples of names in other languages: French bouleau, Yakut. For more information about genus names in other languages, see the Betula page of the Wikispecies project.

The word "birch" is related to the words "birch bark" (Lat. Ulmus), "birch bark".

Botanical description

Main source: [7]

Cherry birch

Botanical illustration from the book Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen, 1887

Most birch species are trees up to 30 and even 45 m tall, with a trunk girth of up to 120-150 cm, and some species are shrubs from large to small, up to creeping, barely rising above the ground. All members of the genus are monoecious, dioecious, wind-pollinated (anemophilic) plants[8].

The root system of birch trees is powerful, depending on the species and growing conditions, either superficial, or, more often, goes obliquely deep. The core root of the seedling dies very quickly, but the lateral roots develop powerfully and are rich in thin mochoid roots. Birch grows slowly only in the first years. Then, on the contrary, it begins to grow quickly, and this ensures its victory over competing grassy vegetation.

Bark of flat-leaved birch (Betula pumila)

Swamp birch branch (Betula pumila)

Radde Birch catkins (Betula raddeana)

From left to right: bract scale, coplodium and fruit of downy birch (Betula pubescens)

The bark of most birches is white, yellowish, pinkish or reddish-brown, and in some species it is gray, brown or even black. Cavities of cork tissue cells on the trunks they are filled with a white resinous substance — betulin, which gives the bark a white color[9]. The outer part-birch bark-is usually easily peeled off with ribbons. In old trees, the lower part of the trunk is often covered with a dark crust with deep cracks.

Birch leaves alternate, whole, toothed along the edge, ovate-rhombic or triangular-ovate, monosymmetric, with a wide wedge-shaped base or almost truncated, smooth, up to 7 cm long and 4 cm wide, turn yellow before falling off. Young leaves are sticky. Venation of the leaf blade is perfect pinnate-nervous (pinnate-marginal): the lateral veins end in teeth[8].

The kidneys are alternate, sessile, covered with spirally arranged, often sticky scales; the lateral kidneys are slightly spaced.

Male flowers in complex inflorescences — catkin — shaped thyrses-appear in summer on the tops of elongated shoots, usually 2-3; at first they are erect and green in color, then gradually turn brown. Their length is 2-4 cm. Male catkins consist of numerous thyroid-shaped stalked integumentary scales fused with a central flower shaft, expanded to the top, equipped with two smaller scales from below and containing three flowers on the inner side. Each flower is also covered with a scaly perianth, in which the fertilization organs — stamens-are placed. Outside, the entire earring is covered with a resinous substance that is impervious to moisture. In this form, the catkins overwinter. In spring, in March-May (depending on the climate), the male catkin shaft lengthens, as a result of which the scales surrounding the flower open, and yellow stamens become noticeable between them, which abundantly secrete flower pollen. At this time, the earrings, which were previously standing straight, first bend down, and then hang completely. Female catkins grow on the tops of shortened shoots (brachiblasts) that develop from the side buds of last year's shoots, and therefore always sit on the side of the branch. Simultaneously with the flowering of male catkins, leaf buds and female catkins bloom. During flowering they are always shorter and narrower than the male ones, which immediately fall off after pollination. The bract (fruit) scales of female catkins are deeply three-lobed; the lateral lobes are usually shorter than the middle one. Female flowers (that is, only one ovary) sit three under each bract scale; in each ovary there are two hanging ovules, of which, after pollination, one dries up, and the second grows, occupying the entire cavity of the ovary. The female fertilized earring lengthens at this time, often it grows a leg, and it thickens itself due to an increase in the volume of scales, gradually turning into an oval or oblong-cylindrical "bump". After the fruit ripens, which occurs quite soon-depending on the climate, in July-September-the fruit catkin (cone) crumbles and only the rod remains from it. Flower formula: Male black symbol.svg{\displaystyle \ast P_{2}\;A_{2}\;G_{0}}\ast P_{2}\;A_{2}\;G_{0}and Venus symbol.svg{\displaystyle \ast P_{0}\;A_{0}\;G_{({\underline {2}})}}\ast P_{0}\;A_{0}\;G_{{(\underline 2)}}[10].

The fruit is a flattened lentil-shaped nut, bearing two dried columns at the top and surrounded by a more or less wide thin-skinned membranous wing. Fruits sit three at a time in the axils of three-lobed fruit (bract) scales. The seeds are very light — there are 5,000 seeds in one gram. They are easily carried by the wind (at a distance of up to 100 m from the parent plant [8]), the fruits are not opened.

Distribution and ecological status

Dwarf birch, creeping over rocks. Greenland

Dwarf birch in the foreground. In the background is a European white birch tree

Birch forest in the areaInari (Finnish Polar regionLapland)

Many birch species are widely distributed and most important forest-forming species, which largely determine the appearance and species composition of deciduous and coniferous-deciduous (mixed) forests in the temperate and cold partsEurasia andNorth America. There are also shrubs among the birches, the most famous of which is the dwarf birch (Betula nana), which is common in the tundra Europe and North America[11] and mountain tundras Siberia. It does not reach even 1 m in height. During the glacial and postglacial periods, this birch was distributed much further to the south, now it is found there only in swamps. like a relic.

Most birches are very hardy, do not suffer from spring frosts, tolerate permafrost, and penetrate far beyondThe Arctic Circle or form the upper border of a forest in the mountains (for example, birch crooked woodland on the northern part of the Arctic Circle).In the Caucasus). Subtropical birches (Himalayan-Chinese, some Japanese and American river birch (Betula nigra))are more demanding of heat[12]. The southernmost and most thermophilic species of birch on our planet is the alder birch (Betula alnoides), which enters the mountainous regions of the monsoon tropics of Southeast Asia[13] [14].

Birch is not demanding on the richness of the soil. Birch species grow in sandy and loamy, rich and poor, wet and dry soils. It is found on the wet banks of rivers and seas, in swamps, in swampy tundras, on dry rocky slopes, in hot dry steppes. For example, the Radde birch (Betula raddeana) forms forests covering gorges in the mountain-forest belt in the mountainsOf Dagestan[12].

Most birches are light-loving, although there are also quite shade-tolerant ones (Ribbed birch (Betula costata), woolly birch (Betula lanata) and Alleghany birch (Betula alleghaniensis))[12].

Many species of birch are pioneers in the settlement of clearings, harems, wastelands and outcrops (such is the hanging Birch (Betula pendula)): in these places, pure birch stands (secondary forests) are often observed mainly of the grass type, so birch is often referred to as soil-improving species[8]. In the future, the composition of the stand changes: the birch is replaced by spruce, since spruce growth can exist under a relatively light birch canopy, and young birches are shaded by firs and die (see fig.Succession)[12].

In the forest-steppe, in moist places in saucer-shaped depressions, birch (often together with aspen and occasionally with willow) forms small forests called kolki. Pegs are typical of the forest-steppeWestern Siberia, found onThe Oka-Don plain[15].

Genus Birch in the collections of botanical gardens In Russia as a whole, it is represented by 92 taxa, exclusively in open ground collections. The largest collection of the genus is located inThe Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences[16].

The life span of birch trees, according to various sources, is 100-120 years [17], 150 (300) years[18], 100-150 years, some trees live up to 400 years or more[12].

On the birch tree live, among others, the caterpillar of the linden hawk moth, the birch moth, the common raspberry. Stag beetle — the largest beetle Europe-lives in the wood of birch and other deciduous trees. May beetles feed on birch leaves, and in some years, when their numbers are particularly high, they can cause serious damage to trees[12].

Birch groves and forests mixed with birch are characterized by mycorrhizal fungal species, many of which live in communities exclusively or predominantly with birch. The most common and well-known of them are[19]:

Volnushka pink among dry birch leaves. Lithuania Boletus vulgaris and some other species of the genusObabok — bolotny podberezovik, rosy podberezovik; white birch mushroom-refers to the most valuable edible mushrooms;

some milkweeds (black mushroom, pink wave), certain types of russula — green russula, yellow russula, food russula.

Damaged trees can be affected by parasitic fungi — such as mown tinder (Inonotus obliquus), which is rarely found on other trees. Preparations obtained from chaga — a sterile form of mown tinder-are used in folk and official medicine as adaptogens.

Birch is also characterized by specific types of fungi that destroy dead wood (saprotrophic), which play an important role in the process of self-cleaning of forests from dead wood, windbreaks, etc.[20] Among them, the common birch tinder (Piptoporus betulinus) and Lenzites betulina are common in birch groves, the former of which is not found on wood of other species, and the latter usually prefers birch[21].

Chemical composition

The bark of most species contains the triterpenoid betulin, one of the few white organic pigments. In the bark of the ribbed birch (Betula costata), its content exceeds 5%, in the hanging birch (Betula pendula), the content of betulin reaches 14%, and in the bark of the Manchurian birch (Betula mandshurica) — up to 27 %. Among the species growing in Russia, the maximum betulin content is observed in the bark of downy birch (Betula pubescens) — up to 44 %[22].

The buds of hanging birch (as well as fluffy) contain approximately 3-5 % of essential oil, the main components of which are bicyclic sesquiterpenoids. Kidneys also contain resinous substances, alkaloids, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and higher fatty acids[23].

The leaves contain essential oil, dammaran derivatives, coumarins, tannins, and flavonoids[23].

Economic significance and application

Cap

Orthodox Christians decorate churches and homes with birch branches.Holy Trinity Day[24].

It is valued in decorative gardening for the beauty of the crown and openwork foliage. Sometimes used as a tapeworm in landscape design.

The leaves give a yellow coat dye with alum[25].

In beekeeping, birch is important as a pollen carrier[26].

Birch splinter was used in the old days for lighting peasant huts — it burns brightly and almost without soot.

Birch brooms are harvested as fodder for livestock for the winter period.

Birch provides the best firewood[24].

Wood

Main article: Birch (wood)

Birch is cut at the age of wood ripeness, from 40-50 years. Previously, to obtain a large, good ornamental material, birch was cut down at the age of 60-80 and even sometimes at the age of 100[12]; for firewood it is suitable in 40-60 years. Birch is not very suitable for buildings, as it soon rots due to the development of a fungus[25].

Heavy dense birch wood is quite strong, resists splitting well. The color is white, with a more yellow core. It is used for making high-quality plywood, skis, small carved toys, and firearm butts . Especially appreciated is the Karelian birch, which is characterized by a very complex wood texture[12].

Growths that occasionally form on the roots, large branches or trunks of birch trees-cap-on the section have a peculiar complex and beautiful pattern. The processed cap has long been used for making elegant crafts: caskets, snuff boxes, cigarette cases, decorative furniture parts.

Growth (suvel) on the hanging birch (Betula pendula) inPetrozavodsk, Karelia

Birch veneer

Tar

Tar soap

Main article: Tar

During dry distillation of birch bark, birch, or birch bark tar is formed[27].

Birch tar is used in medicine and veterinary medicine, mainly as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent, is a part of tar soap and various ointments and creams used to treat skin diseases. In the leather industry, it is used in the manufacture of yufti [27].

In the old days, they were used to lubricate the hubs of cart wheels to reduce friction.

Birch bark

Main article: Birch bark

Two sides of a piece of birch bark

The upper layer of birch bark has its own name-birch bark, or birch bark (both spelling and pronunciation options are acceptable[28]).

Due to the presence of resinous substances, birch bark is extremely strong and durable[29].

Novgorod birch bark charter of the XII century

Birch bark has long been used in folk crafts for the manufacture of signs, baskets, boxes, ladles, baskets, other kitchen utensils, simple shoes (bast shoes), served as a material for writing (birch bark literacy).

Birch bark is perfectly preserved in river sediments, peat bogs, thanks to which Academician V. L. Yanin discovered inNovgorod has a whole treasure trove of Old Russian manuscripts.

There are also many ancient Chinese and Sanskrit texts written on birch bark[12].

In former times, birch bark was used for malaria[30].

The peoples of the North and the Far East used birch bark to make boats and build plague dwellings.

Birch sap

Harvesting birch sap. The GDR. April 1985

Main article: Birch sap

Birch trees accumulate nutrients, including sugars, by the end of the vegetative period. In spring, with the beginning of sap flow (before the leaves open), these substances begin to rise to the leaves.

If incisions are made on the trunk at this time, a significant amount of sap (pasok — a liquid released from the cut wood vessels of stems or roots of living plants under the influence of root pressure) containing from 0.43 to 1.13% sugar will flow out of them[26]. The phenomenon of outflow is observed after the first thaws; in the first days, the outflow is insignificant, but then gradually increases and, reaching a maximum after a while, begins to gradually decrease, and by the time the buds open, it completely stops. The duration of juice leakage is several weeks[31].

Collecting birch sap drains the tree, and pathogens can enter living tissues through wounds on the bark, and the tree can get sick and eventually die. In this regard, after collecting the juice, it is recommended to cover up the damage on the bark with steam or clay[32].

Birch sap is used to prepare various drinks. A large birch tree can produce more than one bucket of juice per day. The juice is sometimes preserved by acidifying it with phosphoric acid. Evaporated birch sap is used for spring feeding of bees[26].

Medical use

Birch has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes: infusions of birch buds and leaves - as a diuretic, bactericidal, wound-healing and antipyretic agent [29], and oil extract from birch buds — as a dermatological agent.

Methyl salicylate is obtained from the essential oil of cherry birch (Betula lenta) (by distilling the bark and shoots with water vapor) [23].

Birch tar is a traditional preservative and disinfectant [29].

Birch brooms in Russia have traditionally been used for therapeutic and preventive purposes in the Russian bathhouse[29].

It was believed that the smell of birch cures melancholy and helps against the evil eye, and birch sap collected on special days of March and April cleanses the blood [33].

In northern latitudes, birch pollen is sometimes an allergen responsible for the manifestation of seasonal hay fever in people with hypersensitivity[34].

Taxonomy

L. Betula, 1753, Species Plantarum 2: 982[35].

The genus Birch is one of six modern genera in the birch family (Betulaceae).Bucotsvetnye (Fagales).

Taxonomic scheme

Heterotypic synonyms[36]:

[es] Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 2 SpachBetulaster, 15: 198 (1841).

Opiz Apterocaryon Lotos. Zeitschrift für Naturwissenschaften 5: 258 (1855).

Opiz Chamaebetula Lotos. Zeitschrift für Naturwissenschaften 5: 258 (1855).

Species of the genus Birch

Main article: Species of the genus Birch

Members of the genus are highly polymorphic; different authors have different views on the rank of certain taxa that make up the genus. Usually, the number of species is estimated at about one hundred[3] or slightly more than one hundred[4].

According to the site dataThe Plant List, the genus contains 119 species and hybrids[3], the most famous of them are:

Cherry birch (Betula lenta). View fromNorth America with a shiny reddish-brown or almost black bark.

Dwarf birch (Betula nana). Shrub usually no more than 1 m high with small rounded leaves; grows inEurope in the swamps, in swampy pine forests.

Low birch or squat birch (Betula humilis). Shrub up to 2 m tall with elliptical leaves; grows inEurope along the banks of water bodies, in swamps.

Drooping birch, or warty birch, or drooping birch, or drooping birch (Betula pendula). A species that is widely distributed inEurope andIt is also found in North Africa. The bark is snow-white to grayish-white. The height is usually 10-15 m, sometimes up to 30 m. Young shoots are glabrous, warty (in contrast to the pubescent birch, in which young shoots are pubescent and without warts).

Useful birch (Betula utilis). A view from the Himalayas up to 18 m high with light smooth bark.

Downy birch or pubescent birch (Betula pubescens). InIn the European part of Russia, it often grows next to the warty birch. For more information on how to distinguish these types, see above. It is an item type.

Black birch (Betula nigra). View from the eastern partNorth America. Young trees have white and smooth bark, while older trees have dark, wrinkled bark. Presumably an ancestral species[37]

Erman birch, or stone birch (Betula ermanii). Occurs onKamchatka, Sakhalin, along the coastThe Sea of Okhotsk. It is called stone wood for its extremely hard, dense and heavy wood that sinks in water.

Cultivation

Agrotechnics

In Russia, the best growth of birch stands is observed in the northern and middle regions, on moderately moist, not too dense soils, not poor in humus content. The difference in the mineral composition of soils does not show a particularly noticeable effect on the growth of birch, and only on calcareous soils it grows very rarely. Needing, as a light-loving tree species, sufficient sunlight, it is thinned out early in clean plantings, which adversely affects soil fertility. Growing in the same mixture withthe birch, which is characterized by its rapid growth, soon overtakes them in height and shows a harmful effect on their further growth: its long and thin branches, driven by the wind, knock down, "cool" the buds of conifers, as a result of which the trees of these breeds become ugly. After felling, the birch tree is successfully renewed both by seeds produced annually in abundance, and by overgrowth from the stump, which appears near the root neck even in old 60-70-year-old trees[38].

When growing birches for decorative purposes, it should be taken into account that the neighborhood with them has a depressing effect on many plants. This happens for the following reasons:

birches are usually characterized by faster growth compared to other trees;

birches dry up the soil;

the decomposition of fallen birch leaves releases substances that are growth inhibitors for some plants.

Young firs, as well as many types of wild rose, get along well with birches in the culture[39].

Varieties

Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica'

Quite a large number of decorative forms of various species of this genus are known. Some of them are[40]:

'Heritage 'BETULA nigra-the variety is distinguished by its pinkish bark, which, peeling off, twists;

'Purpurea 'BETULA pendula-distinguished by purple leaves;

'Laciniata 'betula pendula (also called 'Dalecarlica') — characterized by drooping branches and deeply dissected leaves;

'Tristis 'BETULA pendula — a tree with a weeping crown;

'Yongii 'BETULA pendula - a tree with a weeping crown;

'Whitespire 'betula platyphylla is a tall, slender tree with snow-white bark;

'Jermyns 'BETULA utilis is a tall tree with snow-white bark.

The problem of mass drying of birch trees

Birch forest affected by the disease, Lipetsk region

Birch trees live on average for about 100-200 years, but this age is considered to be the limit. In practice, the age of trees varies from 60 to 100. After 60 years, there is often a high morbidity of trees, in which birch groves massively dry up from the tops and then completely. During strong winds, trees break down and form rubble. This is also caused by bacterial dropsy, a disease caused by the bacterium Erwinia multivora. [41] Trees older than 40 years are most vulnerable. The problem is often found in the European part of Russia and in Siberia. Unexpected and sharp drying of entire forests is reported in different regions, including local news, while forest districts are trying to start sanitary felling of diseased trees.[42]

Dried and then broken birch tops, Lipetsk region

After the drought of 2010, which was observed in many regions of Russia, inIn the Lipetsk region, there was a massive loss of trees, the most affected were birches and mountain ash. The vulnerability of these species is in the shallow root system. Biologist and TV presenter Sergey Glazinov commented on the situation — " The reason is the past hot and dry summer. Birch trees do not tolerate such a strong drying of the soil and high temperatures for a long time"[43]. Landings in the Voronezh, Tula, Saratov and Nizhny Novgorod regions were also affected.

In culture and ethnography

Birch in paganism

Birch-keremet (object of worship) in the Chuvash village

The pre-Christian symbolism associated with the birch tree is known among many peoples who lived in the regions of distribution of this plant; this applies to the Celts, the ancient Scandinavians, and the Slavs. For all these peoples, the birch tree was primarily a symbol of the transition from spring to summer and, in a broader sense, a symbol of death and resurrection[33].

Scandinavians and Finno-Ugric peoples

Since the time of the tribal system the birch — tree and the iconic national symbol, most of the Finno-Ugric peoples — Karel, Vesi, Mansi, Khanty, Perm, Komi-Zyrian, the Finns (sum) and of the Finnish-tavasta (seven), and highly respected national tree among the Scandinavians, the Swedes and Norwegians[44].

Rune of Berkan

The eighteenth rune of the Germanic alphabet, the rune of growth and fertility-Berkana-means "birch", "birch branch".

Among the Scandinavians, the birch tree was a symbol of the goddessNerta, which was considered the great Mother Earth.

Until now, in Central and Northern Sweden, "birch days" are celebrated between April 22 and May 1. It is usually constructed so-called "may pole", i.e. the pole with a crossbar at the top, which is decorated, wrapped the young branches of the birch trees and the first flowers of the field, and this object, in fact, replaces the natural birch, becomes the center of gathering young people and a variety of entertainment under the open sky, reminding this ancient holiday, have committed a living, growing the Sacred birch.

Stefan Permsky cuts down a fancy birch tree

Erzya has a ritual holidayTudongn iltiamon chi ("Birch Tree Festival").

"The Life of Stefan Permsky" reports that near the villageUst-Vym was a "fancy birch", which was worshipped by local residents-Zyryans and Permians. The SaintStephen of Perm, in the course of his educational and preaching mission among the pagans in 1379, cut down and burned this birch tree. Later, according to legend, the first church in the region was built on this site, and its throne was located directly on the stump of a felled birch tree [45].

A distinctive feature of the funeral ritual of the Finno-Permians, according to archaeological data, is the wrapping of the deceased in birch bark. Northern Russians and Old Believers put the deceased in a coffin (house) on birch brooms without a coml.

According to the ancient ideas of the Mansi and Khanty peoples, the Sacred Birch Tree is the mother tree that belonged to the goddessKaltas-ekva, was golden-leaved and grew seven silver trunks from one base.

M. Engelhardt in 1781 noted thatArdon sacred birch grove of Ossetians. No one touched the trees, fearing the inevitable disaster.

In the folklore of the Baltic and Germanic peoples, stable uses have been preserved, in which the word birch appears in the meaning of purity, innocence[46].

The Celts

Birch is one of the 22 trees included in the Celtic Druid horoscope (December 24-January 20).[47]. In Celtic astrology The sun was identified with the Birch Tree. The Celts buried their dead in birch bark caps.

Slavs

In Slavic beliefs, the attitude to the birch tree was ambivalent: according to some traditions, wood and products made from it, including birch bark, were considered a talisman from evil spirits; in particular, birch brooms used in the bath were also considered as tools of ritual purification[33]. According to other traditions, the birch tree was considered an unclean tree, in the branches of which devils and mermaids live, and which is the embodiment of the souls of deceased relatives; the birch tree was also considered a tree from which evil spirits make their tools — for example, witches are believed to fly on birch brooms.

"Semik". Splint. XIX century

In the old Russian women's ritual holiday — Semik, which was celebrated on Thursday in the seventh week afterOn Easter, the girls went to the forest to "curl a birch tree". After selecting the trees, the girls curled them — tied the tops of two young birches, bending them to the ground [48]. Wreaths were made from branches. At the same time, they sang songs and went in a round dance around a birch tree decorated with ribbons, bringing it to the village[50]. When curling wreaths, the girls were idolized, or sistered: on the branches of birches tied in the form of a circle, they hung themcross, the girls kissed in pairs through this wreath, exchanged some things (rings, shawls) and then called themselves godmother or sister[51][52].

Turkic peoples

It is considered thatUmay (Umaya) — a Turkic goddess who personifies the earthly nature-descended to earth with two birches[33].

Folk signs

A lot of sap flows from the birch tree in the spring-by the rainy summer.

In autumn, birch leaves will start to turn yellow from the top — early spring, turn yellow from the bottom-late[53].

If the birch leaves out in advance, then wait for a dry summer, and if the alder — wet [52].

If there are a lot of earrings on the birches-for the pea harvest (Vladimirsk province)[54]

If there are a lot of buds on the birch tree in the spring, millet will be plentiful (Chuvash).[54]

If a birch cone is grated in the spring, then oats will be born well (Tobolsk province).[54]

If birch buds open from below, then strong bread (good grain) will be born (Perm province).[54]

In the spring on aspen and birch a good lobe - there will be a strong bread (Tobolsk. lip.)

If the leaves on the birch are thick and dark green (with an abundance of summer moisture) - to the harvest and tall bread [54]

When a yellow leaf with spots the size of a horse's head appears on a birch tree, it is time to sow winter bread (votyats) [54]

If the leaves on the birch turn yellow at the top, rye should be sown in the first sowing; if in the middle — in the middle, if closer to the root — in the last sowing(votyats) [54]

When the catkins of the birch trees burst — it's time to sow bread (Chuvash)[54]

If at the top of the birch leaves are earlier and more bloomed-bread should be sown earlier; if in the middle more bloomed-you need to sow medium; if at the bottom more bloomed-sow later[54]

If the birch tree blooms from above, then early sowing is better, if in the middle — medium sowing, if from below-late sowing (about sowing spring loaves)[54]

This oats, when the birch leaf begins to bloom [54]

Russian proverbs, sayings, riddles and jokes about birch

There is a tree, green in color. In this tree there are four grounds: the first-for the sick to health, the second-for people a well, the third-from winter light, the fourth-for the decrepit swaddling clothes.

Birch is not a threat: where it stands, there it makes noise (Yaroslav lip.)[54].

White birch bark — yes, the tar is black[54].

The birch tree is thin, but it teaches reason[54].

For the enemy, the birch tree is also a threat.

Birch juice with pulp.

Green, not a meadow, white, not snow, curly, not a head (riddle).

I'll climb on the mountain, put the calf on, put the fat in my mouth, and take the skin away (riddle-birch sap).

In the visual arts

Arkady Rylov. Green noise. 1904. Canvas, oil. State Tretyakov Gallery, State Russian Museum

Isaac Levitan. Golden autumn. 1895. Oil on canvas. State Tretyakov Gallery

Arkhip Kuindzhi. Birch grove. 1879. Oil on canvas. State Tretyakov Gallery

Alexander Golovin. Birches. 1908—1911. Paper, gouache. State Tretyakov Gallery

Arkady Rylov. In the forest. 1905. Oil on canvas. Kirov Regional Art Museum named after V. M. and A.M. Vasnetsov

In heraldry

Coat of arms of the Finnish districtYalasjarvi

Coat of arms of Berezov

Birch is a common heraldic symbol:

In German heraldry of the 12th century, the main emblematic image of a birch is a bushy tree with golden foliage and a silver (or gold) trunk. A later image of a birch in German and Swedish heraldry is a green bushy tree with a white (silver) trunk, regardless of the color of the shield field. Since the XVIII century, the image was adopted with the so-called "closed crown", since the XIX century-stylized with 8 branches and 7 roots, 39 leaves on each side and one leaf at the very top: 10:11:11:7:1:7:11:11:10. In Czech heraldry, the image of a whole birch tree is practically not found, it is replaced by an image of a triangular birch leaf of green color, natural (and not stylized) shape. This emblem serves as a speaking emblem in municipal heraldry to designate cities (for example, the city of Brezova (Przezava), which received the city coat of arms in 1960). In Russian heraldry, the birch emblem is almost never used, and it does not have a clear emblematic appearance, it is depicted as a tree with a curly green crown and an indistinctly outlined black-gray trunk. An example is the coat of arms of the city of Berezov in the Tyumen region: three birches standing side by side on the same level in a silver field. The birch leaf has also served as one of the emblems of environmentalists in Germany and the German Green Party since the 60s and 70s of the XX century[44].

"The features that distinguish birch from other trees in heraldry are the shape of the leaves (triangular with sharp teeth along the edge) and the presence of long "earrings". All other features, including trunk coloration, are not typologically significant"[55].

In heraldry, there is also the term "birch-leaved": the designation of a cross-section line in the form of alternating multidirectional birch leaves and divisions of the shield and armorial figures formed with its help[56].

Birch is present on the coats of arms of the following geographical localities: Berezovsky City District, Degtyarsk, a settlement (before 1926 — a city) of Berezovo and Berezovsky district (Russia), a settlementVeliky Berezny (Ukraine),Brezegard-Picher, Pirc, Winnenden (Germany),Besenburen (Switzerland), Březová, Březina (Czech Republic), communes of Daga,Gnesta (Swedish. Gnesta) (Sweden), communitiesYalasjarvi, Yuuka, Tohmajarvi (from 1953 to 2004),Karttula (fin. Karttula) (Finland),La Fage-Montivernu (фр.La Fage-Montivernoux) (France ).

In the culture of Slavic peoples and Russia

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See also: Semik

In the Ukrainian and Czech calendars, the month of March is named after the birch tree.

Beryozolom in ancient Slavic monuments of writing was designated the month of April. The word was formed from birch and from the word zol, which was not used independently, and whose root is the same as in the words zel-еный, zel-enet, etc. Thus, the word actually means the greenness of the birch tree or the month in which the birch tree turns green; this is why Czech březen means the month of March[57].

The birch tree is considered one of the symbols of Russia, so in many cases its name was used to refer to objects related to Russia:

He sang the birch treeSergei Yesenin in the 1913 poem of the same name.

In Soviet times in the RSFSR, the word "Birch" was used to refer to a network of currency stores that appeared in 1964.

At the end of the XX century inIn the USSR and Russia, there was a two-tone camouflage "beryozka"[59].

There are several known songs on the theme of birch trees:

SongVladimir Trepettsov's "White Birch" ("A curly maple tree grew over a quiet river..."; 1960) became actually popular. Fragments of it can be heard in many movies (for example,"Moscow does not believe in tears " and "Afonya")[60]. The song was performed by many singers, includingMikhail Gulko: in 1981, his album with this song was released in the United States[61].

White birch, I love you,

Give me your tender branch.

Without love, without affection, I am lost,

White birch, my dear.

— From the song "White Birch" [62]

Russian Folk Song "There was a birch tree in the field."

The song "Birch sap", performed by the Belarusian ensemble "Pesnyary"[63].

The song "Russian Birches", performed by V. Zinkevich (wordsTalgata Nigmatulina, music by E. Shiryaev):

Washed by the spring rain

I was covered with a light shade

of Birch, Russian birch,

You are like my destiny.

I believe in your silence,

I'll come over and give you a hug.

For your memory and mine,

For standing here right now.

The song "A birch tree grows in Volgograd", performed byLyudmila Zykina (music by G. F. Ponomarenko, words by V. Agashin).

It started with a birch treeNevsky Prospekt inSt. Petersburg. On the site of the Admiralty Garden, four rows of birches were planted, and this marked the beginning of the highway.

TitleState Academic Choreographic Ensemble is taken from the first production of N. S. Nadezhdina (1948) of the Russian girls 'round dance" Beryozka "to the music of the Russian folk round dance song" In the field Beryozonka stood..."

One of Faberge's precious Easter eggs was made in 1917 from Karelian birch. It is called "Birch".

In the traditional culture of the Erzya and Moksha peoples, the torama, a wind musical instrument, is of great importance. Torama is made from a branch of birch or maple, which is longitudinally split in half, the core of each half is hollowed out, and then the halves are wrapped with birch bark. When wrapping birch bark, one side of the pipe is made wider, and the other is narrower. A tongue of birch bark is inserted inside the pipe.

In imperial Russia, several "birch houses" were built — park pavilions upholstered on the outside with birch poles or thin logs with bark not removed: in Gatchina, in Kuzminki, in Peterhof. These kind of surprise pavilions were typical of Russian parks in the second half of the XVIII century, and their deliberately modest facade hid a luxurious interior.

In the culture of other nations

Gypsies wrapped their undershirt around a birch tree and predicted the future by the first sound they heard afterwards.

Birch, including Karelian, is most often used for making the handle of a traditional Scandinavian (mostly Finnish) puukko knife .

Alexey Ermolov, in his book "Folk Agricultural Wisdom in Proverbs, Sayings and Omens" (1905 edition), cites as an interesting belief among the Kyrgyz, and among other Asian peoples, the following expression about the birch tree: "Where a birch tree grows between the firs, the Russians will certainly come there"[54].

In place names

A huge number of geographical names and, in particular, the names of localities in Russia and other Slavic countries, have the root "birch". These are also well-known peopleBerezniki, and unknown villages and villages (Berezovka and Berezka). In the Samara region, there is also a" clean " birch tree, inBrest region of Belarus-Birch (belor. Byarosa), inTrubchevsky district, Bryansk region-settlementBelaya Beryozka, inLeningrad region-Birch Islands. There are localities called Breza inBosnia, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Slovakia, Brziza - in the Czech Republic.

Many Finnish place names date back to Fin. koivu, Lithuanian-to lit. beržas, which also mean birch.

Name of a city in the northeastHungary — Nyíregyháza (Veng. Nyíregyháza) - comes from the word Nyirsheg, the low-lying area in which the city is located, in turn, going back to the word birch (Veng. Nyír).

Ulan-Bourgas, a mountain range in Buryatia, named after bur. Bourgas (burgaahan), which means small birch tree.

The formation of Slavic river names, hydronyms, and tree names is a widespread phenomenon. It is estimated that birch is in the first place in terms of frequency of use in river names. The most famous of these names isBerezina River, right tributary Dnipro river. There is a hypothesis that once the Berezina and the Dnieper below its confluence were considered one river with a common nameBerezina, and the well-known ancient name of the Dnieper Borysthenes is a distortedBerezina[64].

Birch (Lat. Betula is a genus of deciduous trees and shrubs in the birch family (Betulaceae). Birch is widely distributed inNorthernin Northern Hemisphere; on the territory ofIt is one of the most widespread tree species in Russia. The total number of species is about one hundred[3] or slightly more[4]. Many birch species are widely distributed and most important forest-forming species, which largely determine the appearance and species composition of deciduous and coniferous-deciduous (mixed) forests in the temperate and cold partsEurasiaparts andNorthEurasia and North America.

Volnushka pink among dry birch leaves. Lithuania

Volnushka pink among dry birch leaves. Lithuania Boletus vulgaris and some other species of the genusObabok — bolotny podberezovik, rosy podberezovik; white birch mushroom-refers to the most valuable edible mushrooms;

white birch mushroom-refers to the most valuable edible mushrooms;

Birch (Lat. Betula is a genus of deciduous trees and shrubs in the birch family (Betulaceae). Birch is widely distributed inNorthern Hemisphere; on the territory ofIt is one of the most widespread tree species in Russia. The total number of species is about one hundred[3] or slightly more[4]. Many birch species are widely distributed and most important forest-forming species, which largely determine the appearance and species composition of deciduous and coniferous-deciduous (mixed) forests in the temperate and cold partsEurasia andNorth America.

Many parts of birch are used in agriculture: wood, bark, birch bark (the surface layer of bark), birch sap. Buds and leaves are used in medicine: infusions of buds and leaves-as a diuretic, bactericidal, wound-healing and antipyretic agent, and oil extract from birch buds - as a dermatological agent. Some species are used to create protective strips, as well as in decorative gardening.

Birch occupies an important place in the culture of the Slavs, Scandinavians, Finno-Ugric and other peoples.

The Latin generic name was borrowed from the Gallic language[5].

The Russian word "birch" comes from praslav. * berza, dating back to pra-ie .*b h erosos (compare lit. beržas, Latvian. bērzs, oset. bærž, al. - ind .bhurjah, al. - English beorc, English birch, German . Birke, Netherlands berk, norv. bjørk, sweden. björk), from the root *b h erĝ - "glow, turn white".

In other Slavic languages: belor. biarosa, ukr. birch, bolg. breza, serbohorv. breza, slovenia. brėza, Czech republic. bříza, poland. brzoza, V.-luzh. brěza, N.-luzh. brjaza[6]. Examples of names in other languages: French bouleau, Yakut. For more information about genus names in other languages, see the Betula page of the Wikispecies project.

The word "birch" is related to the words "birch bark" (Lat. Ulmus), "birch bark".

Botanical description

Main source: [7]

Cherry birch

Botanical illustration from the book Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen, 1887

Most birch species are trees up to 30 and even 45 m tall, with a trunk girth of up to 120-150 cm, and some species are shrubs from large to small, up to creeping, barely rising above the ground. All members of the genus are monoecious, dioecious, wind-pollinated (anemophilic) plants[8].

The root system of birch trees is powerful, depending on the species and growing conditions, either superficial, or, more often, goes obliquely deep. The core root of the seedling dies very quickly, but the lateral roots develop powerfully and are rich in thin mochoid roots. Birch grows slowly only in the first years. Then, on the contrary, it begins to grow quickly, and this ensures its victory over competing grassy vegetation.

Bark of flat-leaved birch (Betula pumila)

Swamp birch branch (Betula pumila)

Radde Birch catkins (Betula raddeana)

From left to right: bract scale, coplodium and fruit of downy birch (Betula pubescens)

The bark of most birches is white, yellowish, pinkish or reddish-brown, and in some species it is gray, brown or even black. Cavities of cork tissue cells on the trunks they are filled with a white resinous substance — betulin, which gives the bark a white color[9]. The outer part-birch bark-is usually easily peeled off with ribbons. In old trees, the lower part of the trunk is often covered with a dark crust with deep cracks.

Birch leaves alternate, whole, toothed along the edge, ovate-rhombic or triangular-ovate, monosymmetric, with a wide wedge-shaped base or almost truncated, smooth, up to 7 cm long and 4 cm wide, turn yellow before falling off. Young leaves are sticky. Venation of the leaf blade is perfect pinnate-nervous (pinnate-marginal): the lateral veins end in teeth[8].

The kidneys are alternate, sessile, covered with spirally arranged, often sticky scales; the lateral kidneys are slightly spaced.

Male flowers in complex inflorescences — catkin — shaped thyrses-appear in summer on the tops of elongated shoots, usually 2-3; at first they are erect and green in color, then gradually turn brown. Their length is 2-4 cm. Male catkins consist of numerous thyroid-shaped stalked integumentary scales fused with a central flower shaft, expanded to the top, equipped with two smaller scales from below and containing three flowers on the inner side. Each flower is also covered with a scaly perianth, in which the fertilization organs — stamens-are placed. Outside, the entire earring is covered with a resinous substance that is impervious to moisture. In this form, the catkins overwinter. In spring, in March-May (depending on the climate), the male catkin shaft lengthens, as a result of which the scales surrounding the flower open, and yellow stamens become noticeable between them, which abundantly secrete flower pollen. At this time, the earrings, which were previously standing straight, first bend down, and then hang completely. Female catkins grow on the tops of shortened shoots (brachiblasts) that develop from the side buds of last year's shoots, and therefore always sit on the side of the branch. Simultaneously with the flowering of male catkins, leaf buds and female catkins bloom. During flowering they are always shorter and narrower than the male ones, which immediately fall off after pollination. The bract (fruit) scales of female catkins are deeply three-lobed; the lateral lobes are usually shorter than the middle one. Female flowers (that is, only one ovary) sit three under each bract scale; in each ovary there are two hanging ovules, of which, after pollination, one dries up, and the second grows, occupying the entire cavity of the ovary. The female fertilized earring lengthens at this time, often it grows a leg, and it thickens itself due to an increase in the volume of scales, gradually turning into an oval or oblong-cylindrical "bump". After the fruit ripens, which occurs quite soon-depending on the climate, in July-September-the fruit catkin (cone) crumbles and only the rod remains from it. Flower formula: Male black symbol.svg{\displaystyle \ast P_{2}\;A_{2}\;G_{0}}\ast P_{2}\;A_{2}\;G_{0}and Venus symbol.svg{\displaystyle \ast P_{0}\;A_{0}\;G_{({\underline {2}})}}\ast P_{0}\;A_{0}\;G_{{(\underline 2)}}[10].

The fruit is a flattened lentil-shaped nut, bearing two dried columns at the top and surrounded by a more or less wide thin-skinned membranous wing. Fruits sit three at a time in the axils of three-lobed fruit (bract) scales. The seeds are very light — there are 5,000 seeds in one gram. They are easily carried by the wind (at a distance of up to 100 m from the parent plant [8]), the fruits are not opened.

Distribution and ecological status

Dwarf birch, creeping over rocks. Greenland

Dwarf birch in the foreground. In the background is a European white birch tree

Birch forest in the areaInari (Finnish Polar regionLapland)

Many birch species are widely distributed and most important forest-forming species, which largely determine the appearance and species composition of deciduous and coniferous-deciduous (mixed) forests in the temperate and cold partsEurasia andNorth America. There are also shrubs among the birches, the most famous of which is the dwarf birch (Betula nana), which is common in the tundra Europe and North America[11] and mountain tundras Siberia. It does not reach even 1 m in height. During the glacial and postglacial periods, this birch was distributed much further to the south, now it is found there only in swamps. like a relic.

Most birches are very hardy, do not suffer from spring frosts, tolerate permafrost, and penetrate far beyondThe Arctic Circle or form the upper border of a forest in the mountains (for example, birch crooked woodland on the northern part of the Arctic Circle).In the Caucasus). Subtropical birches (Himalayan-Chinese, some Japanese and American river birch (Betula nigra))are more demanding of heat[12]. The southernmost and most thermophilic species of birch on our planet is the alder birch (Betula alnoides), which enters the mountainous regions of the monsoon tropics of Southeast Asia[13] [14].

Birch is not demanding on the richness of the soil. Birch species grow in sandy and loamy, rich and poor, wet and dry soils. It is found on the wet banks of rivers and seas, in swamps, in swampy tundras, on dry rocky slopes, in hot dry steppes. For example, the Radde birch (Betula raddeana) forms forests covering gorges in the mountain-forest belt in the mountainsOf Dagestan[12].

Most birches are light-loving, although there are also quite shade-tolerant ones (Ribbed birch (Betula costata), woolly birch (Betula lanata) and Alleghany birch (Betula alleghaniensis))[12].

Many species of birch are pioneers in the settlement of clearings, harems, wastelands and outcrops (such is the hanging Birch (Betula pendula)): in these places, pure birch stands (secondary forests) are often observed mainly of the grass type, so birch is often referred to as soil-improving species[8]. In the future, the composition of the stand changes: the birch is replaced by spruce, since spruce growth can exist under a relatively light birch canopy, and young birches are shaded by firs and die (see fig.Succession)[12].

In the forest-steppe, in moist places in saucer-shaped depressions, birch (often together with aspen and occasionally with willow) forms small forests called kolki. Pegs are typical of the forest-steppeWestern Siberia, found onThe Oka-Don plain[15].

Genus Birch in the collections of botanical gardens In Russia as a whole, it is represented by 92 taxa, exclusively in open ground collections. The largest collection of the genus is located inThe Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences[16].

The life span of birch trees, according to various sources, is 100-120 years [17], 150 (300) years[18], 100-150 years, some trees live up to 400 years or more[12].

On the birch tree live, among others, the caterpillar of the linden hawk moth, the birch moth, the common raspberry. Stag beetle — the largest beetle Europe-lives in the wood of birch and other deciduous trees. May beetles feed on birch leaves, and in some years, when their numbers are particularly high, they can cause serious damage to trees[12].

Birch groves and forests mixed with birch are characterized by mycorrhizal fungal species, many of which live in communities exclusively or predominantly with birch. The most common and well-known of them are[19]:

Volnushka pink among dry birch leaves. Lithuania

Boletus vulgaris and some other species of the genusObabok — bolotny podberezovik, rosy podberezovik;

white birch mushroom-refers to the most valuable edible mushrooms;

some milkweeds (black mushroom, pink wave), certain types of russula — green russula, yellow russula, food russula.

Damaged trees can be affected by parasitic fungi — such as mown tinder (Inonotus obliquus), which is rarely found on other trees. Preparations obtained from chaga — a sterile form of mown tinder-are used in folk and official medicine as adaptogens.

Birch is also characterized by specific types of fungi that destroy dead wood (saprotrophic), which play an important role in the process of self-cleaning of forests from dead wood, windbreaks, etc.[20] Among them, the common birch tinder (Piptoporus betulinus) and Lenzites betulina are common in birch groves, the former of which is not found on wood of other species, and the latter usually prefers birch[21].

Chemical composition

The bark of most species contains the triterpenoid betulin, one of the few white organic pigments. In the bark of the ribbed birch (Betula costata), its content exceeds 5%, in the hanging birch (Betula pendula), the content of betulin reaches 14%, and in the bark of the Manchurian birch (Betula mandshurica) — up to 27 %. Among the species growing in Russia, the maximum betulin content is observed in the bark of downy birch (Betula pubescens) — up to 44 %[22].

The buds of hanging birch (as well as fluffy) contain approximately 3-5 % of essential oil, the main components of which are bicyclic sesquiterpenoids. Kidneys also contain resinous substances, alkaloids, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and higher fatty acids[23].

The leaves contain essential oil, dammaran derivatives, coumarins, tannins, and flavonoids[23].

Economic significance and application

Cap

Orthodox Christians decorate churches and homes with birch branches.Holy Trinity Day[24].

It is valued in decorative gardening for the beauty of the crown and openwork foliage. Sometimes used as a tapeworm in landscape design.

The leaves give a yellow coat dye with alum[25].

In beekeeping, birch is important as a pollen carrier[26].

Birch splinter was used in the old days for lighting peasant huts — it burns brightly and almost without soot.

Birch brooms are harvested as fodder for livestock for the winter period.

Birch provides the best firewood[24].

Wood

Main article: Birch (wood)

Birch is cut at the age of wood ripeness, from 40-50 years. Previously, to obtain a large, good ornamental material, birch was cut down at the age of 60-80 and even sometimes at the age of 100[12]; for firewood it is suitable in 40-60 years. Birch is not very suitable for buildings, as it soon rots due to the development of a fungus[25].

Heavy dense birch wood is quite strong, resists splitting well. The color is white, with a more yellow core. It is used for making high-quality plywood, skis, small carved toys, and firearm butts . Especially appreciated is the Karelian birch, which is characterized by a very complex wood texture[12].

Growths that occasionally form on the roots, large branches or trunks of birch trees-cap-on the section have a peculiar complex and beautiful pattern. The processed cap has long been used for making elegant crafts: caskets, snuff boxes, cigarette cases, decorative furniture parts.

Growth (suvel) on the hanging birch (Betula pendula) inPetrozavodsk, Karelia

Birch veneer

Tar

Tar soap

Main article: Tar

During dry distillation of birch bark, birch, or birch bark tar is formed[27].

Birch tar is used in medicine and veterinary medicine, mainly as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent, is a part of tar soap and various ointments and creams used to treat skin diseases. In the leather industry, it is used in the manufacture of yufti [27].

In the old days, they were used to lubricate the hubs of cart wheels to reduce friction.

Birch bark

Main article: Birch bark

Two sides of a piece of birch bark

The upper layer of birch bark has its own name-birch bark, or birch bark (both spelling and pronunciation options are acceptable[28]).

Due to the presence of resinous substances, birch bark is extremely strong and durable[29].

Novgorod birch bark charter of the XII century

Birch bark has long been used in folk crafts for the manufacture of signs, baskets, boxes, ladles, baskets, other kitchen utensils, simple shoes (bast shoes), served as a material for writing (birch bark literacy).

Birch bark is perfectly preserved in river sediments, peat bogs, thanks to which Academician V. L. Yanin discovered inNovgorod has a whole treasure trove of Old Russian manuscripts.

There are also many ancient Chinese and Sanskrit texts written on birch bark[12].

In former times, birch bark was used for malaria[30].

The peoples of the North and the Far East used birch bark to make boats and build plague dwellings.

Birch sap

Harvesting birch sap. The GDR. April 1985

Main article: Birch sap

Birch trees accumulate nutrients, including sugars, by the end of the vegetative period. In spring, with the beginning of sap flow (before the leaves open), these substances begin to rise to the leaves.

If incisions are made on the trunk at this time, a significant amount of sap (pasok — a liquid released from the cut wood vessels of stems or roots of living plants under the influence of root pressure) containing from 0.43 to 1.13% sugar will flow out of them[26]. The phenomenon of outflow is observed after the first thaws; in the first days, the outflow is insignificant, but then gradually increases and, reaching a maximum after a while, begins to gradually decrease, and by the time the buds open, it completely stops. The duration of juice leakage is several weeks[31].

Collecting birch sap drains the tree, and pathogens can enter living tissues through wounds on the bark, and the tree can get sick and eventually die. In this regard, after collecting the juice, it is recommended to cover up the damage on the bark with steam or clay[32].

Birch sap is used to prepare various drinks. A large birch tree can produce more than one bucket of juice per day. The juice is sometimes preserved by acidifying it with phosphoric acid. Evaporated birch sap is used for spring feeding of bees[26].

Medical use

Birch has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes: infusions of birch buds and leaves - as a diuretic, bactericidal, wound-healing and antipyretic agent [29], and oil extract from birch buds — as a dermatological agent.

Methyl salicylate is obtained from the essential oil of cherry birch (Betula lenta) (by distilling the bark and shoots with water vapor) [23].

Birch tar is a traditional preservative and disinfectant [29].

Birch brooms in Russia have traditionally been used for therapeutic and preventive purposes in the Russian bathhouse[29].

It was believed that the smell of birch cures melancholy and helps against the evil eye, and birch sap collected on special days of March and April cleanses the blood [33].

In northern latitudes, birch pollen is sometimes an allergen responsible for the manifestation of seasonal hay fever in people with hypersensitivity[34].

Taxonomy

L. Betula, 1753, Species Plantarum 2: 982[35].

The genus Birch is one of six modern genera in the birch family (Betulaceae).Bucotsvetnye (Fagales).

Taxonomic scheme

Heterotypic synonyms[36]:

[es] Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 2 SpachBetulaster, 15: 198 (1841).

Opiz Apterocaryon Lotos. Zeitschrift für Naturwissenschaften 5: 258 (1855).

Opiz Chamaebetula Lotos. Zeitschrift für Naturwissenschaften 5: 258 (1855).

Species of the genus Birch

Main article: Species of the genus Birch

Members of the genus are highly polymorphic; different authors have different views on the rank of certain taxa that make up the genus. Usually, the number of species is estimated at about one hundred[3] or slightly more than one hundred[4].

According to the site dataThe Plant List, the genus contains 119 species and hybrids[3], the most famous of them are:

Cherry birch (Betula lenta). View fromNorth America with a shiny reddish-brown or almost black bark.

Dwarf birch (Betula nana). Shrub usually no more than 1 m high with small rounded leaves; grows inEurope in the swamps, in swampy pine forests.

Low birch or squat birch (Betula humilis). Shrub up to 2 m tall with elliptical leaves; grows inEurope along the banks of water bodies, in swamps.

Drooping birch, or warty birch, or drooping birch, or drooping birch (Betula pendula). A species that is widely distributed inEurope andIt is also found in North Africa. The bark is snow-white to grayish-white. The height is usually 10-15 m, sometimes up to 30 m. Young shoots are glabrous, warty (in contrast to the pubescent birch, in which young shoots are pubescent and without warts).

Useful birch (Betula utilis). A view from the Himalayas up to 18 m high with light smooth bark.

Downy birch or pubescent birch (Betula pubescens). InIn the European part of Russia, it often grows next to the warty birch. For more information on how to distinguish these types, see above. It is an item type.

Black birch (Betula nigra). View from the eastern partNorth America. Young trees have white and smooth bark, while older trees have dark, wrinkled bark. Presumably an ancestral species[37]

Erman birch, or stone birch (Betula ermanii). Occurs onKamchatka, Sakhalin, along the coastThe Sea of Okhotsk. It is called stone wood for its extremely hard, dense and heavy wood that sinks in water.

Cultivation

Agrotechnics

In Russia, the best growth of birch stands is observed in the northern and middle regions, on moderately moist, not too dense soils, not poor in humus content. The difference in the mineral composition of soils does not show a particularly noticeable effect on the growth of birch, and only on calcareous soils it grows very rarely. Needing, as a light-loving tree species, sufficient sunlight, it is thinned out early in clean plantings, which adversely affects soil fertility. Growing in the same mixture withthe birch, which is characterized by its rapid growth, soon overtakes them in height and shows a harmful effect on their further growth: its long and thin branches, driven by the wind, knock down, "cool" the buds of conifers, as a result of which the trees of these breeds become ugly. After felling, the birch tree is successfully renewed both by seeds produced annually in abundance, and by overgrowth from the stump, which appears near the root neck even in old 60-70-year-old trees[38].

When growing birches for decorative purposes, it should be taken into account that the neighborhood with them has a depressing effect on many plants. This happens for the following reasons:

birches are usually characterized by faster growth compared to other trees;

birches dry up the soil;

the decomposition of fallen birch leaves releases substances that are growth inhibitors for some plants.

Young firs, as well as many types of wild rose, get along well with birches in the culture[39].

Varieties

Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica'

Quite a large number of decorative forms of various species of this genus are known. Some of them are[40]:

'Heritage 'BETULA nigra-the variety is distinguished by its pinkish bark, which, peeling off, twists;

'Purpurea 'BETULA pendula-distinguished by purple leaves;

'Laciniata 'betula pendula (also called 'Dalecarlica') — characterized by drooping branches and deeply dissected leaves;

'Tristis 'BETULA pendula — a tree with a weeping crown;

'Yongii 'BETULA pendula - a tree with a weeping crown;

'Whitespire 'betula platyphylla is a tall, slender tree with snow-white bark;

'Jermyns 'BETULA utilis is a tall tree with snow-white bark.

The problem of mass drying of birch trees

Birch forest affected by the disease, Lipetsk region

Birch trees live on average for about 100-200 years, but this age is considered to be the limit. In practice, the age of trees varies from 60 to 100. After 60 years, there is often a high morbidity of trees, in which birch groves massively dry up from the tops and then completely. During strong winds, trees break down and form rubble. This is also caused by bacterial dropsy, a disease caused by the bacterium Erwinia multivora. [41] Trees older than 40 years are most vulnerable. The problem is often found in the European part of Russia and in Siberia. Unexpected and sharp drying of entire forests is reported in different regions, including local news, while forest districts are trying to start sanitary felling of diseased trees.[42]

Dried and then broken birch tops, Lipetsk region

After the drought of 2010, which was observed in many regions of Russia, inIn the Lipetsk region, there was a massive loss of trees, the most affected were birches and mountain ash. The vulnerability of these species is in the shallow root system. Biologist and TV presenter Sergey Glazinov commented on the situation — " The reason is the past hot and dry summer. Birch trees do not tolerate such a strong drying of the soil and high temperatures for a long time"[43]. Landings in the Voronezh, Tula, Saratov and Nizhny Novgorod regions were also affected.

In culture and ethnography

Birch in paganism

Birch-keremet (object of worship) in the Chuvash village

The pre-Christian symbolism associated with the birch tree is known among many peoples who lived in the regions of distribution of this plant; this applies to the Celts, the ancient Scandinavians, and the Slavs. For all these peoples, the birch tree was primarily a symbol of the transition from spring to summer and, in a broader sense, a symbol of death and resurrection[33].

Scandinavians and Finno-Ugric peoples

Since the time of the tribal system the birch — tree and the iconic national symbol, most of the Finno-Ugric peoples — Karel, Vesi, Mansi, Khanty, Perm, Komi-Zyrian, the Finns (sum) and of the Finnish-tavasta (seven), and highly respected national tree among the Scandinavians, the Swedes and Norwegians[44].

Rune of Berkan

The eighteenth rune of the Germanic alphabet, the rune of growth and fertility-Berkana-means "birch", "birch branch".

Among the Scandinavians, the birch tree was a symbol of the goddessNerta, which was considered the great Mother Earth.

Until now, in Central and Northern Sweden, "birch days" are celebrated between April 22 and May 1. It is usually constructed so-called "may pole", i.e. the pole with a crossbar at the top, which is decorated, wrapped the young branches of the birch trees and the first flowers of the field, and this object, in fact, replaces the natural birch, becomes the center of gathering young people and a variety of entertainment under the open sky, reminding this ancient holiday, have committed a living, growing the Sacred birch.

Stefan Permsky cuts down a fancy birch tree

Erzya has a ritual holidayTudongn iltiamon chi ("Birch Tree Festival").

"The Life of Stefan Permsky" reports that near the villageUst-Vym was a "fancy birch", which was worshipped by local residents-Zyryans and Permians. The SaintStephen of Perm, in the course of his educational and preaching mission among the pagans in 1379, cut down and burned this birch tree. Later, according to legend, the first church in the region was built on this site, and its throne was located directly on the stump of a felled birch tree [45].

A distinctive feature of the funeral ritual of the Finno-Permians, according to archaeological data, is the wrapping of the deceased in birch bark. Northern Russians and Old Believers put the deceased in a coffin (house) on birch brooms without a coml.

According to the ancient ideas of the Mansi and Khanty peoples, the Sacred Birch Tree is the mother tree that belonged to the goddessKaltas-ekva, was golden-leaved and grew seven silver trunks from one base.

M. Engelhardt in 1781 noted thatArdon sacred birch grove of Ossetians. No one touched the trees, fearing the inevitable disaster.

In the folklore of the Baltic and Germanic peoples, stable uses have been preserved, in which the word birch appears in the meaning of purity, innocence[46].

The Celts

Birch is one of the 22 trees included in the Celtic Druid horoscope (December 24-January 20).[47]. In Celtic astrology The sun was identified with the Birch Tree. The Celts buried their dead in birch bark caps.

Slavs

In Slavic beliefs, the attitude to the birch tree was ambivalent: according to some traditions, wood and products made from it, including birch bark, were considered a talisman from evil spirits; in particular, birch brooms used in the bath were also considered as tools of ritual purification[33]. According to other traditions, the birch tree was considered an unclean tree, in the branches of which devils and mermaids live, and which is the embodiment of the souls of deceased relatives; the birch tree was also considered a tree from which evil spirits make their tools — for example, witches are believed to fly on birch brooms.

"Semik". Splint. XIX century

In the old Russian women's ritual holiday — Semik, which was celebrated on Thursday in the seventh week afterOn Easter, the girls went to the forest to "curl a birch tree". After selecting the trees, the girls curled them — tied the tops of two young birches, bending them to the ground [48]. Wreaths were made from branches. At the same time, they sang songs and went in a round dance around a birch tree decorated with ribbons, bringing it to the village[50]. When curling wreaths, the girls were idolized, or sistered: on the branches of birches tied in the form of a circle, they hung themcross, the girls kissed in pairs through this wreath, exchanged some things (rings, shawls) and then called themselves godmother or sister[51][52].

Turkic peoples

It is considered thatUmay (Umaya) — a Turkic goddess who personifies the earthly nature-descended to earth with two birches[33].

Folk signs

A lot of sap flows from the birch tree in the spring-by the rainy summer.

In autumn, birch leaves will start to turn yellow from the top — early spring, turn yellow from the bottom-late[53].

If the birch leaves out in advance, then wait for a dry summer, and if the alder — wet [52].

If there are a lot of earrings on the birches-for the pea harvest (Vladimirsk province)[54]

If there are a lot of buds on the birch tree in the spring, millet will be plentiful (Chuvash).[54]

If a birch cone is grated in the spring, then oats will be born well (Tobolsk province).[54]

If birch buds open from below, then strong bread (good grain) will be born (Perm province).[54]

In the spring on aspen and birch a good lobe - there will be a strong bread (Tobolsk. lip.)

If the leaves on the birch are thick and dark green (with an abundance of summer moisture) - to the harvest and tall bread [54]

When a yellow leaf with spots the size of a horse's head appears on a birch tree, it is time to sow winter bread (votyats) [54]

If the leaves on the birch turn yellow at the top, rye should be sown in the first sowing; if in the middle — in the middle, if closer to the root — in the last sowing(votyats) [54]

When the catkins of the birch trees burst — it's time to sow bread (Chuvash)[54]

If at the top of the birch leaves are earlier and more bloomed-bread should be sown earlier; if in the middle more bloomed-you need to sow medium; if at the bottom more bloomed-sow later[54]

If the birch tree blooms from above, then early sowing is better, if in the middle — medium sowing, if from below-late sowing (about sowing spring loaves)[54]

This oats, when the birch leaf begins to bloom [54]

Russian proverbs, sayings, riddles and jokes about birch

There is a tree, green in color. In this tree there are four grounds: the first-for the sick to health, the second-for people a well, the third-from winter light, the fourth-for the decrepit swaddling clothes.

Birch is not a threat: where it stands, there it makes noise (Yaroslav lip.)[54].

White birch bark — yes, the tar is black[54].

The birch tree is thin, but it teaches reason[54].

For the enemy, the birch tree is also a threat.

Birch juice with pulp.

Green, not a meadow, white, not snow, curly, not a head (riddle).

I'll climb on the mountain, put the calf on, put the fat in my mouth, and take the skin away (riddle-birch sap).

In the visual arts

Arkady Rylov. Green noise. 1904. Canvas, oil. State Tretyakov Gallery, State Russian Museum

Isaac Levitan. Golden autumn. 1895. Oil on canvas. State Tretyakov Gallery

Arkhip Kuindzhi. Birch grove. 1879. Oil on canvas. State Tretyakov Gallery

Alexander Golovin. Birches. 1908—1911. Paper, gouache. State Tretyakov Gallery

Arkady Rylov. In the forest. 1905. Oil on canvas. Kirov Regional Art Museum named after V. M. and A.M. Vasnetsov

In heraldry

Coat of arms of the Finnish districtYalasjarvi

Coat of arms of Berezov

Birch is a common heraldic symbol:

In German heraldry of the 12th century, the main emblematic image of a birch is a bushy tree with golden foliage and a silver (or gold) trunk. A later image of a birch in German and Swedish heraldry is a green bushy tree with a white (silver) trunk, regardless of the color of the shield field. Since the XVIII century, the image was adopted with the so-called "closed crown", since the XIX century-stylized with 8 branches and 7 roots, 39 leaves on each side and one leaf at the very top: 10:11:11:7:1:7:11:11:10. In Czech heraldry, the image of a whole birch tree is practically not found, it is replaced by an image of a triangular birch leaf of green color, natural (and not stylized) shape. This emblem serves as a speaking emblem in municipal heraldry to designate cities (for example, the city of Brezova (Przezava), which received the city coat of arms in 1960). In Russian heraldry, the birch emblem is almost never used, and it does not have a clear emblematic appearance, it is depicted as a tree with a curly green crown and an indistinctly outlined black-gray trunk. An example is the coat of arms of the city of Berezov in the Tyumen region: three birches standing side by side on the same level in a silver field. The birch leaf has also served as one of the emblems of environmentalists in Germany and the German Green Party since the 60s and 70s of the XX century[44].

"The features that distinguish birch from other trees in heraldry are the shape of the leaves (triangular with sharp teeth along the edge) and the presence of long "earrings". All other features, including trunk coloration, are not typologically significant"[55].

In heraldry, there is also the term "birch-leaved": the designation of a cross-section line in the form of alternating multidirectional birch leaves and divisions of the shield and armorial figures formed with its help[56].

Birch is present on the coats of arms of the following geographical localities: Berezovsky City District, Degtyarsk, a settlement (before 1926 — a city) of Berezovo and Berezovsky district (Russia), a settlementVeliky Berezny (Ukraine),Brezegard-Picher, Pirc, Winnenden (Germany),Besenburen (Switzerland), Březová, Březina (Czech Republic), communes of Daga,Gnesta (Swedish. Gnesta) (Sweden), communitiesYalasjarvi, Yuuka, Tohmajarvi (from 1953 to 2004),Karttula (fin. Karttula) (Finland),La Fage-Montivernu (фр.La Fage-Montivernoux) (France ).

In the culture of Slavic peoples and Russia

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See also: Semik

In the Ukrainian and Czech calendars, the month of March is named after the birch tree.

Beryozolom in ancient Slavic monuments of writing was designated the month of April. The word was formed from birch and from the word zol, which was not used independently, and whose root is the same as in the words zel-еный, zel-enet, etc. Thus, the word actually means the greenness of the birch tree or the month in which the birch tree turns green; this is why Czech březen means the month of March[57].

The birch tree is considered one of the symbols of Russia, so in many cases its name was used to refer to objects related to Russia:

He sang the birch treeSergei Yesenin in the 1913 poem of the same name.

In Soviet times in the RSFSR, the word "Birch" was used to refer to a network of currency stores that appeared in 1964.

At the end of the XX century inIn the USSR and Russia, there was a two-tone camouflage "beryozka"[59].

There are several known songs on the theme of birch trees:

SongVladimir Trepettsov's "White Birch" ("A curly maple tree grew over a quiet river..."; 1960) became actually popular. Fragments of it can be heard in many movies (for example,"Moscow does not believe in tears " and "Afonya")[60]. The song was performed by many singers, includingMikhail Gulko: in 1981, his album with this song was released in the United States[61].

White birch, I love you,

Give me your tender branch.

Without love, without affection, I am lost,

White birch, my dear.

— From the song "White Birch" [62]

Russian Folk Song "There was a birch tree in the field."

The song "Birch sap", performed by the Belarusian ensemble "Pesnyary"[63].

The song "Russian Birches", performed by V. Zinkevich (wordsTalgata Nigmatulina, music by E. Shiryaev):

Washed by the spring rain

I was covered with a light shade

of Birch, Russian birch,

You are like my destiny.

I believe in your silence,

I'll come over and give you a hug.

For your memory and mine,

For standing here right now.

The song "A birch tree grows in Volgograd", performed byLyudmila Zykina (music by G. F. Ponomarenko, words by V. Agashin).

It started with a birch treeNevsky Prospekt inSt. Petersburg. On the site of the Admiralty Garden, four rows of birches were planted, and this marked the beginning of the highway.

TitleState Academic Choreographic Ensemble is taken from the first production of N. S. Nadezhdina (1948) of the Russian girls 'round dance" Beryozka "to the music of the Russian folk round dance song" In the field Beryozonka stood..."

One of Faberge's precious Easter eggs was made in 1917 from Karelian birch. It is called "Birch".

In the traditional culture of the Erzya and Moksha peoples, the torama, a wind musical instrument, is of great importance. Torama is made from a branch of birch or maple, which is longitudinally split in half, the core of each half is hollowed out, and then the halves are wrapped with birch bark. When wrapping birch bark, one side of the pipe is made wider, and the other is narrower. A tongue of birch bark is inserted inside the pipe.

In imperial Russia, several "birch houses" were built — park pavilions upholstered on the outside with birch poles or thin logs with bark not removed: in Gatchina, in Kuzminki, in Peterhof. These kind of surprise pavilions were typical of Russian parks in the second half of the XVIII century, and their deliberately modest facade hid a luxurious interior.

In the culture of other nations

Gypsies wrapped their undershirt around a birch tree and predicted the future by the first sound they heard afterwards.

Birch, including Karelian, is most often used for making the handle of a traditional Scandinavian (mostly Finnish) puukko knife .

Alexey Ermolov, in his book "Folk Agricultural Wisdom in Proverbs, Sayings and Omens" (1905 edition), cites as an interesting belief among the Kyrgyz, and among other Asian peoples, the following expression about the birch tree: "Where a birch tree grows between the firs, the Russians will certainly come there"[54].

In place names

A huge number of geographical names and, in particular, the names of localities in Russia and other Slavic countries, have the root "birch". These are also well-known peopleBerezniki, and unknown villages and villages (Berezovka and Berezka). In the Samara region, there is also a" clean " birch tree, inBrest region of Belarus-Birch (belor. Byarosa), inTrubchevsky district, Bryansk region-settlementBelaya Beryozka, inLeningrad region-Birch Islands. There are localities called Breza inBosnia, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Slovakia, Brziza - in the Czech Republic.

Many Finnish place names date back to Fin. koivu, Lithuanian-to lit. beržas, which also mean birch.

Name of a city in the northeastHungary — Nyíregyháza (Veng. Nyíregyháza) - comes from the word Nyirsheg, the low-lying area in which the city is located, in turn, going back to the word birch (Veng. Nyír).

Ulan-Bourgas, a mountain range in Buryatia, named after bur. Bourgas (burgaahan), which means small birch tree.

The formation of Slavic river names, hydronyms, and tree names is a widespread phenomenon. It is estimated that birch is in the first place in terms of frequency of use in river names. The most famous of these names isBerezina River, right tributary Dnipro river. There is a hypothesis that once the Berezina and the Dnieper below its confluence were considered one river with a common nameBerezina, and the well-known ancient name of the Dnieper Borysthenes is a distortedBerezina[64].