Kenai Birch, Alaskan Paper Birch
Betula kenaica

Family: Betulaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 9-12 m high and spreads 6-9 m wide. It has a narrow crown. It looses its leaves during the year. The leaves are oval or triangular. They have coarse teeth. It is shiny dark green above and light yellowish-green underneath. The flowers are in catkins with male and female flowers separate. The male ones are 2.5 long and the female ones 2.5 cm long on stiff stalks.

There are about 60 Betula species. They grow in cool north temperate climates.

Where it is found

Temperate. In Alaska it grows along the coast and up to 300 m above sea level. It can grow in light shade. It is best with moist soil. It suits hardiness zones 1-8.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Australia, Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

Young leaves and catkins are eaten raw. The buds and twigs are used to flavour soup. The inner bark is eaten raw or cooked. It can be dried and made into flour. The sap can be used for syrup.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Betula kamtschatica var. kenaica (W. H. Evans) C.-A. Jansson; Betula neoalaskana var. kenaica (W. H. Evans) B. Boivin; Betula papyrifera var. kenaica (W. H. Evans) A. Henry; Betula papyrifera subsp. kenaica (W. H. Evans) A. E. Murray;