Identity
Category :
Arbre remarquable
Latin name :
Betula pendula
French name :
Bouleau verruqueux
Dutch name :
Ruwe berk
English name :
Common silver birch
Family :
Betulaceae
Height :
Ø
Targeted height :
This species can grow up to 15–30 m
Diameter of the crown :
11 m
Trunk circumference :
137 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 :
Ø
Prevents flooding :
Ø
Stores carbon :
+
Softens the climate :
++
Limits soil erosion :
Ø
Does good, heals :
+++
Illustrated botany © Wikimedia Commons
Features and characters of the individual
This birch is part of a small grove lighting up the Square Bia Bouquet. It adds character to the Foyer Forestois housing that was built in the ‘50s. These birch trees have a strong social foundation in the neighbourhood. Residents, both young and old meet by them to chat or play. These trees were planted in the ‘70s by Léon Meganck*, the first ecology teacher in the country, together with pupils from the ‘Ecole no.1 de Forest’ school. At the time, ecology was in the primary school curriculum. Children had the opportunity to plant a tree at least once in their life: a way to prepare for the future. Birch trees have a short life-span. This experience should be renewed today to ensure their place here continues, and that they also continue to have a presence in the whole city.
