Betula pubescens
Downy birch
Betula pubescens, commonly known as the downy birch, is a resilient deciduous tree native to northern latitudes. Beyond its ecological significance, this species holds traditional medicinal value. Its bark and leaves are frequently utilized in herbal remedies to support skin health, reduce inflammation, and provide mild diuretic properties.
- Scientific name: Betula pubescens
- Family: Betulaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fagales, it is classified under the family Betulaceae and is identified by the genus Betula.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fagales | WCVP |
| Family | Betulaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Betula | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Betula pubescens, is referred to by various regional names across different languages. In Basque, it is called urki zuri, while in Polish, it is known as brzoza omszona. In Welsh, the species is identified as blanke beyôle, and in Belarusian, it is called бяроза пушыстая. Finally, in Hungarian, the plant is commonly known as molyhos nyír.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| eu | Urki zuri | Wikidata |
| pl | Brzoza omszona | Wikidata |
| wa | Blanke beyôle | Wikidata |
| be | Бяроза пушыстая | Wikidata |
| hu | molyhos nyír | Wikidata |
| lv | Purva bērzs | Wikidata |
| gl | Bidueiro | Wikidata |
| et | sookask | Wikidata |
| de | Moor-Birke | Wikidata |
| ja | ヨーロッパダケカンバ | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide-ranging presence across various northern regions of Europe. Its distribution includes the territories of Denmark and Finland within Northern Europe. It can also be found growing in the Faroe Islands, which are known as Føroyar. Additionally, the species is documented throughout the landscape of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical reach extends to the northern island of Iceland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Betula pubescens, commonly known as the downy birch, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The buds are particularly notable, often being harvested in the spring for their concentrated essence and medicinal potential. Additionally, the bark serves as a significant part of the plant, containing various bioactive compounds that have historically been used in traditional remedies. Whether focusing on the buds or the bark, each part of this birch species contributes to its reputation in herbal medicine.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| buds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Buds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Betula pubescens has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,3-beta-D-glucan, Lucifer Yellow CH, Santin, cirsimaritin, flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 1,3-beta-D-glucan | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Lucifer Yellow CH | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Santin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cirsimaritin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Betula pubescens has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antiseptic, Diuretic.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiseptic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Betula pubescens has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, antiseptic, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, diuretic.
- Total uses
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antiseptic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colon cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colorectal cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stomach cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sunburn | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wound infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |