plants
HomePlantsPhytochemicalsBlog
Birch

Birch

Latin Name: Betula lenta
Description of Appearance: Birch trees are known for their slender trunks with distinctive bark that peels off in thin, papery sheets. The leaves are oval and serrated, turning a bright yellow in the fall.
Common Names:
  • Birch
  • Sweet Birch

Health Information

Health uses for this plant

Analgesic (pain-relieving)

Active Ingredients: Methyl salicylate
Part Of Plant Used: Bark or leaves
Preperation Method: Topical application or poultice

Anti-inflammatory

Active Ingredients: Betulin, betulinic acid, flavonoids
Part Of Plant Used: Bark
Preperation Method: Infusion or decoction

Expectorant

Active Ingredients: Essential oils
Part Of Plant Used: Bark or leaves
Preperation Method: Steam inhalation or herbal tea

Diuretic

Active Ingredients: Saponins
Part Of Plant Used: Leaves
Preperation Method: Infusion or tincture

Active Phytochemical

Active phytochemicals found in this plant

Methyl salicylate

Description Methyl salicylate is an organic compound that is naturally produced by some plants as a defense mechanism against herbivores. It is commonly known for its wintergreen aroma and is used in various products for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Betulin

Description Betulin is a naturally occurring triterpene that is found in the bark of birch trees.

Saponins

Description Saponins are natural compounds found in a variety of plant sources, known for their ability to create a foam or lather when mixed with water. They have diverse biological activities and are often used for their detergent, emulsifying, and antioxidant properties.

More plants

Eastern teaberry

Eastern teaberry
Latin Name: Gaultheria procumbens
Description of Appearance: Gaultheria procumbens is a small, evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves. It produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in summer, followed by bright red berries in the fall.
Common Names:
  • Eastern teaberry
  • Checkerberry
  • Boxberry
  • American wintergreen

Balsam Poplar

Balsam Poplar
Latin Name: Populus balsamifera
Description of Appearance: The Populus balsamifera is a species of poplar tree known for its resinous buds and strong balsam scent. It has heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges and can grow up to 60 feet tall.
Common Names:
  • Balsam Poplar
  • Balm of Gilead
  • Poplar Balsam
  • Balsam Poplar

Birch trees

Birch trees
Latin Name: Betula
Description of Appearance: Birch trees are deciduous trees known for their distinctive bark that peels in paper-like layers, and their thin, delicate leaves that vary in shape and size depending on the species.
Common Names:
  • Birch trees
  • Betula trees
  • White trees

Paper Birch

Paper Birch
Latin Name: Betula papyrifera
Description of Appearance: The Betula papyrifera, commonly known as the Paper Birch, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that typically has white bark that peels in thin, papery layers. The leaves are oval-shaped and green with toothed edges.
Common Names:
  • Paper Birch
  • Canoe Birch
  • American White Birch

Silver Birch

Silver Birch
Latin Name: Betula pendula
Description of Appearance: The Betula pendula is a deciduous tree known for its distinctive white bark with black markings, slender branches, and delicate green leaves that turn yellow in autumn.
Common Names:
  • Silver Birch
  • European White Birch

Quinoa

Quinoa
Latin Name: Chenopodium quinoa
Description of Appearance: Quinoa is a tall plant with broad, green leaves and produces small seeds that are harvested for consumption.
Common Names:
  • Quinoa

Ginseng

Ginseng
Latin Name: Panax ginseng
Description of Appearance: A slow-growing perennial plant with fleshy roots
Common Names:
  • Ginseng

Soapwort

Soapwort
Latin Name: Saponaria officinalis
Description of Appearance: Soapwort is a perennial herb with clusters of pink or white flowers and lance-shaped leaves.
Common Names:
  • Soapwort
  • Bouncing bet
  • Sweet William

Yucca

Yucca
Latin Name: Yucca
Description of Appearance: Yucca plants are known for their sword-shaped leaves and tall, dramatic flowering spikes.
Common Names:
  • Adam's needle
  • Spanish bayonet
  • Yucca