Identity
Category :
Arbre remarquable
Latin name :
Betula pendula
French name :
Bouleau verruqueux
Dutch name :
Ruwe berk
English name :
Common silver birch
Family :
Betulaceae
Height :
∅
Targeted height :
This species can grow up to 15–30 m
Diameter of the crown :
∅
Trunk circumference :
146 cm
Expected circumference :
300 cm
Expected longevity :
Can live for 100–200 years
Origin / Indigenous
Europe and Anatolia
Favorite soil :
All soils, aerated, not densely compacted
Favorite climate
Temperate, copes well (enjoys) big chills
Usefulness and services of the tree :
Enhances the landscape :
+++
Enhances the biodiversity :
+
Provide oxygen :
++
Purify the air :
+
Filter the water :
Prevents flooding :
Stores carbon :
+
Softens the climate :
++
Limits soil erosion :
Does good, heals :
+++
Illustrated botany © Wikimedia Commons
Features and characters of the individual
Every year millions and millions of small birch seeds are blown off by the wind. In cities, they colonise wastelands, vacant lots and abandoned buildings. They are able to transform a post-industrial site into a birch wood. In the 80s, some pioneering seeds established themselves in the courtyard of the old bronze foundry. It was around this time that the Brussels Museum of Industry and Labour was established at the site. Today, four birches highlight the architectural heritage of the area. They have become inseparable from the place. They bring a touch of poetry to old walls and the old machines displayed outside. Doing their “work” too, they welcome visitors and invite them to discover the exhibitions that bring the La Fonderie to life.
