There are more than 40 different species of birch. Of course, the appearance of the birch leaves is correspondingly diverse. Nevertheless, there are several things in common that you can use to identify the leaf of a birch without a doubt. Also, did you know that you can even use the leaves of the picturesque trees for health and beauty?

Birch leaves are slightly oval and light green

This is what birch leaves look like

When the leaf of the birch is mentioned in general, this information refers to the widespread common birch. The Eurasian tree is found throughout Europe with the exception of the extreme north and south. Its distribution extends to Siberia. This Betula Pendula is known by a variety of names. According to its profile, it is called white birch, silver birch or silver birch. While this is one and the same tree, there are numerous other forms of birch with lovely names such as sugar birch and silver birch.

All birch leaves have a very classic characteristic: They have an oval, slightly diamond-shaped to triangular silhouette and are jagged at the edges. Depending on the species, the serrations can be stronger or weaker. The leaves, which are often arranged on short shoots, are divided into petiole and leaf blade. They usually occur alternately and are usually placed in two rows. Other general characteristics:

  • depending on the species 0.5 to (rarely) 14 centimeters long
  • 0.5 to 8 centimeters wide, depending on the species
  • glabrous to slightly hairy
  • Leaf margin is serrate to doubly serrate
  • initially fresh green, later medium to dark green
  • young leaves secrete a sticky secretion through numerous resin glands
  • whitish remains of the dried secretion on older leaves
  • balsamic aromatic fragrance, slightly bitter taste

Blue Birch

The blue birch actually owes its name to the slight bluish tinge of its heavily jagged leaves. Its bluish-green leaves merge into a reddish petiole. The rounded, egg-shaped leaf shape gives this birch a particularly decorative charm.

yellow birch

The yellow birch does not get its name because of its leaves, but because of the yellowish color of the trunk. Their leaves, on the other hand, are a strong dull green. The double sawn edge of the leaf is striking.

golden birch

The widespread golden birch has yellow-green leaves. The silhouette of this birch leaf is egg-shaped with a prominent tip and an equally striking sawn edge.

paper birch

The leaf of the paper birch is comparatively very long at up to 10 centimeters. Since it also tapers, this birch leaf appears longer than the leaves of other birch species. Its color is intense dark green. The edge of the sheet is also sawn here.

sugar birch

The sugar birch also has ovate, but rather elongated leaves of up to 10 centimeters in length and with a serrated leaf edge. The color is a radiant, medium shade of green.

downy birch

The rather medium-sized leaf of the downy birch, around 5 centimeters long, extends much more widely than the leaves of the other species listed as examples. It is heart-shaped with heavily serrated edges. In addition, its silky shiny surface catches the eye.

change in autumn

The color that the leaves of a birch tree take on in autumn can also help to identify the leaves. The vast majority of birch leaves turn their strong green into a deep golden yellow at the transition to the cool season. In the case of species such as the golden birch, whose leaves always have a slight yellowish undertone anyway, the autumn color can turn to a warm orange tone.

Medicinal effects of the birch leaf

Birch leaves bring many vitamins, especially the important vitamin C. Due to the essential oils it also contains, as well as diuretic substances, flavonoids, saponins and tannins, the birch leaf has always been used for medicinal purposes. Brewed as a tea, birch leaves are used in detoxification cures, for example.

Appropriate infusions are also popular for compensating for high cholesterol levels and for weight loss. The leaves of the birch are said to be helpful against the symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism and gout because of their diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect. With regular use, the leaf juice can prevent kidney and bladder stones - or completely eliminate existing conditions.

In fact, the entire leaves of the birch are edible - unlike the foliage leaves of most other trees. In addition to using it as a tea, salads can also be used to channel the power of the birch leaf into the body.

Birch leaves in cosmetics

Birch tea is also used in a variety of ways in the field of body and beauty care. Its ingredients can be taken internally or applied externally to help treat skin problems. These include rashes such as eczema or patches, but also pimples and generally oily skin.

When used as a conditioner, the infusion of birch leaves can be integrated into hair care: the decoction can soothe the scalp and thus act against dandruff. Furthermore, a homemade birch leaf conditioner ensures shiny and supple hair.

Birch extracts also prove their worth in the fight against cellulite. Here they are mainly used dissolved in body oils. In addition, internal use should also support an even complexion in the typical problem areas.

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Trees