Today's Nature Post features the Birch Tree. This is a group of deciduous trees belonging to the Genus Betula within the family Betulaceae and includes species such as hornbeams, alders, and hazels. This grouping of trees is related to the family Fagaceae, making them close relatives to trees such as oaks and beech trees. Birch trees are hardwood trees that can be found throughout areas of the Northern Hemisphere including Asia, Europe, and North America. They grow on well-drained, acidic soils with a preference for colder regions such as boreal, or subartic climates, as well temperate regions. At times, Birch trees can be detrimental to an environment if the young saplings and seedlings are not reduced by occasional burning or grazing of the plants. These trees can include shrubs as well as small to medium-sized trees. The possess leaves in a variety of shapes often including serrated or feathered edges and growing in pairs. Birch trees will produce fruit call Samara which is a small flattened bit of papery tissue that extends from the seed to allow the wind to carry the seed further away. The bark of many Birch trees possesses a quality called Lenticel, which is a porous tissue that often looks papery or peels from the tree most prominently seen on the Paper Birch. This bark functions by acting as a pore, allowing the exchange of gases between the inner and outer surfaces of the tree. These trees will form the buds of their seeds early in the season with full maturation by midsummer. Due to it's hardwood quality, Birch trees have been used often for timber uses such as furniture making, plywood, or veneers. Extracts produced from the Birch tree are used within leather oil, as a glue for items such as arrows, or in cosmetics such as soaps or shampoos. Native Americans used the light weight, flexible bark in order to make waterproof canoes, wigwams, and bowls. Throughout areas in Northern Europe, China, and Sibera, Birch sap is used to create a traditional drink. The sap is also used commercially in order to make birch syrup. The wood pulp derived from Birch trees has been used to create a low opacity paper.

The Birch Tree, also known as Bereza, Lady of the Woods, and Berke, is associated as being a feminine plant connected with Water and the God Thor and Goddesses Freya and Brigid. It holds importance for exorcisms, protection, renewal, and purification. In Russia, hanging a red ribbon around the stem of a birch will rid one of the evil eye. Cradles were often made of birch to aid in the protection of children while one can use a birch twig to exorcise spirits from individuals by gently striking them with the branch. Birch bark, when soaked until moist in water, can be formed around a limb to create a cast. The oil from the Birch bark is used to treat skin conditions as well as act as an insect repellent. The sap works as a cure for urinary infections and dysentery while an infusion of the leaves is a diuretic and antiseptic. Pieces of Birch bark can also be added to protection spells while the wood itself is said to banish fears, inspire courage, and protect against evil. One can use a broom made of Birch to sweep their house on the morning after Winter Solstice to symbolize sweeping out the old for new. This tree can also represent renewal through fresh starts. Bringing determination and courage in order to develop spiritual growth. It teaches us that strength can be found in weakness.