The common birch can be safely considered a symbol of Russia. This tree is extremely widespread throughout our country. It is hardly possible to find someone who does not know this plant. It is used in industry, medicine and ornamental gardening.
Birch is a deciduous tree belonging to the Birch family. Botanists number more than a hundred species of this plant. Most of them are trees; their height can reach 30-35, and sometimes 45 m. Among this diversity there are shrubs, which can be quite large and very small, creeping. These plants usually live 200-250 years, but sometimes their age can exceed far beyond 300.
Description of birch
The birch root system is developed and very powerful. It can be core or surface. The seedling usually has a taproot, but it quickly stops growing and dies. Then lateral root shoots begin to develop, giving off many branches. They are located obliquely at an angle of 30-40º and go shallow into the ground. This position of the adventitious roots allows the birch to have increased stability and strength. Much in the structure of roots depends on where exactly the plant grows.
The first few years of its life, birch grows very slowly. But when the main root dies and the peripheral part grows, the tree begins to grow much faster. The roots, located quite close to the surface, take all the moisture and nutrients from the ground. Where birch grows, it is extremely difficult for other plants to survive.
A mature tree usually has bark that is white, whitish-yellow, brownish-reddish, sometimes brown, grayish and even almost black, depending on the variety. The white color is due to the presence in the cells of the bark tissue of begulin, a white coloring resinous substance. The outer layer is called birch bark and is usually easily removed in layers or strips. In fairly old birch trees, the lower parts of the trunk become dark gray and furrowed deep cracks. The girth of the trunk can be up to 1.5 m.
The leaves of the tree are smooth, with small serrations along the edges, round or triangular in shape with an elongated sharp tip, sitting alternately on a short petiole. The leaf blade clearly shows pinnate veins that end in denticles. Young fresh leaves are covered with sticky resin and have a pale green color. In autumn, before they fall, the foliage turns yellow.
Birches belong to dicotyledonous, dioecious and wind-pollinated plants. Male catkins appear in the summer, bloom in the spring and then immediately fall off. The female ones bloom along with the leaves and after pollination the fruits ripen in them, which are a small flattened nut equipped with “wings”. Thanks to these membranes, birch fruits can be carried by the wind over a distance of over 100 m.
Varieties
The classification of birches is quite complex; botanists cannot come to a consensus on this matter. Their description is confusing due to polymorphism. Usually the following 4 groups are distinguished:
Albae- this includes trees with white, yellowish, pinkish and other barks light shades.
Costata- trees with dense wood of various shades (cherry, white, black, yellow). The trunk is distinguished by ribbing, and the leaves have interesting voluminous veins.
Acuminatae- large trees with large leaves, growing in subtropical climates.
Nanae- dwarf trees with small leaves.
Types of birch trees
Let's look at some types of birch trees:
Ordinary(warty, drooping). Height up to 35 m, trunk thickness 0.7-0.8 m. The most common variety of birch trees has white bark, which in young plants (up to 10 years) is brown and then turns white. The branches are strewn with many resinous growths that resemble warts, hence the name - warty. Grows throughout Europe, Asia and North Africa. The tree is unpretentious and tolerates very well very coldy and drought, but requires good sunlight.
Fluffy(hairy). Height - 25-30 m, diameter - up to 0.8 m. Young trees are similar to alder due to the red-brown bark. But with age, the similarity disappears, as the trunk turns white. The branches directed almost vertically upward form a wide spreading crown. Grows in Western Europe, central regions of Russia, the Caucasus and Siberia. Very winter-hardy, shade-tolerant, loves moist and even swampy soils.
Erman(stone). A relatively low tree (up to 15 m) with a crooked trunk, but up to 0.9 m in diameter. It has flaky bark of dark gray and brown colors, which eventually ulcerates with large cracks. The translucent, wide and luxurious crown is formed from erect branches. It tolerates cold well, is shade-tolerant and undemanding. It tolerates swampy and wet soils very poorly, preferring rocky areas. Often found on the islands of Japan, in the northern provinces of China, and on the Korean Peninsula. On the territory of Russia it grows at Far East, in Transbaikalia, Buryatia, Yakutia and Kamchatka.
Cherry. Height up to 25 m, thickness up to 0.6 m. This birch is distinguished by uneven, cracked, brownish-reddish, almost cherry-colored bark. Grows in moist, light, well-drained soils. In cold winters it can freeze. Distributed in North America Baltic countries, Belarus and in the central part of Russia.
Black(river). Height up to 30 m, girth more than 1 m. Grows in the southern states of the USA, as it is very thermophilic.
Karelian. It can be a small bush, but can also grow up to 6-8 m in height. The trunk is covered with all sorts of irregularities, thanks to which the wood has an extremely interesting marble pattern.
Dwarf. A typical inhabitant of mountainous areas and tundra. It looks like a shrub with fairly branched warty branches. Prefers to grow in highly moist, heavy soils.
Application
Birch finds very wide application. First of all, its wood is used. Various carpentry products, plywood, and laminate are made from it. There is even a color - birch, which is used in furniture production. The Karelian variety is especially valued for making various crafts and furniture. Birch firewood is considered one of the best.
Birch sap is used in the food industry to prepare various drinks.
Tar is obtained from birch bark by dry distillation, which is used in veterinary medicine and medicine, as well as in the cosmetics industry.
For medical purposes, birch leaves, bark and buds are used, which have bactericidal, choleretic, wound-healing, expectorant, diuretic, antiseptic and antipyretic properties. Since ancient times, birch brooms have been used for prevention and treatment various diseases.
These trees are widely used in artificial plantings, in landscape design and gardening. They require virtually no maintenance and are very decorative.
Family: birch (Betulaceae).
Homeland: North hemisphere.
Form: tree or shrub.
Description
Birch is the most commonly found hardwood species in the Northern Hemisphere. Various types of birch (there are about 120 of them) are distributed from the subtropics to the tundra. Birch - beautiful tree 30-45 m high or a shrub with an openwork crown. The main distinctive feature of birch is its white, yellowish or pinkish trunk covered with birch bark. Birch leaves are petiolate, round or lanceolate, entire (rarely lobed), toothed. Birch leaves turn yellow in autumn. Birch blossoms begin before the leaves bloom. Birch flowers are collected in earrings. Birch fruits are single-seeded nuts 1-5 mm long with two membranous wings. Birch trees have a fairly large root system that takes moisture and nutrients from the upper layers of the soil. Therefore, the vegetation under the birches is sparse.
The lifespan of a birch is 100-150 years.
In the European part of our country, two types of birch trees are widespread: downy birch and silver birch.
Downy birch (curly birch) (B. pubescens), or birch warty(B. verrucosa) - a tree up to 15 m tall, with a pure white trunk that does not form a dark, rough crust at the base, for which it received another name - white-trunked birch. The crown of the curly birch (warty birch) is widely branched and ovoid. The branches are directed upwards. The bark of young branches is smooth, reddish-brown, later pure white. The leaves of downy birch are shiny, ovate or rhombic, up to 6 cm, sticky and fragrant after blooming.
Silver birch has several forms, of which the most decorative: pyramidal(f. fastigiata) - with a narrow pyramidal crown; mourning(f. tristis) - distinguished by very thin weeping branches and a rounded crown; cabin boy(f. Youngii) - with an irregular, graceful crown, with thin drooping branches; purple(f. purpurea) - with purple leaves.
(B. pendula) - a tree with an openwork, irregular crown. The height of silver birch can reach 20 m. The trunk of silver birch is white. In mature trees, the lower part of the trunk is covered with a rough, blackish crust in deep cracks. The branches are mostly drooping, for which the silver birch has received another name among the people - weeping birch. The leaves of silver birch are rhombic, glabrous, up to 7 cm, resinous and sticky for some time after blooming. The fruits of silver birch have drooping catkins. Silver birch grows quickly and is frost-resistant.
The following types of birch shrubs are popular.
(B. nana) is an elegant bush up to 1 m high with small round leaves characteristic of birch. In autumn, the leaves of dwarf birch turn yellow. To grow dwarf birch, it is recommended to buy cultivated specimens.
Ferruginous birch (B. glandulosa) is similar to dwarf birch, but taller (up to 3 m) and has larger leaves.
Birch is low (B. humilis) is a highly branched shrub with a straight crown. The leaves of low birch are oblong and up to 3 cm long.
Birch Medvedeva (B. medwediewii) is a large shrub that becomes tree-like with age. Medvedev's birch is distinguished by its very large, compared to other types of birch, buds and leaves (up to 10 cm long!).
Growing conditions
Birch is an undemanding tree when it comes to soil, but downy birch prefers moister soils and a humid climate. Birch bushes are also not picky about soil, but prefer light sandy loam.
Birch trees need good lighting. With a lack of light, birches become frail and depressed.
Application
Due to their unpretentiousness, birch trees are used in groups, as well as for creating small forest plantations, protective strips, etc. Birch is indispensable in the garden for landscaping recreation areas. It is possible to plant birch trees, but it should be borne in mind that they lose foliage and twigs throughout the summer, so the area around them requires periodic maintenance.
Downy birch is good for planting in marshy and damp places: root system downy birch is able to cope with waterlogging of the soil.
But in urban landscaping, birch trees are not so popular due to the transparency of their crowns and are found mainly in parks and squares.
Dwarf birch trees are suitable for.
Planting and care
Birch tree care is minimal. During drought, watering is required.
Birch replanting is best done in early spring. Birch trees are transplanted before the age of 5-7 years, since older specimens are not well accepted. Autumn replanting of birch trees is not recommended, as it has a higher mortality rate. When planting birch seedlings, it is not recommended to bury the root collar. Birch roots lie shallow, so they require watering during drought.
Reproduction
Birch propagation is carried out mainly by seeds. Some types of birch (usually cultivated) are taken from cuttings.
Birch seeds are collected during the period of browning of catkins. It is recommended to sow seeds immediately after collection, in late autumn.
Birch seedlings of cultivated species can be found in garden centers and nurseries. Birch seedlings of wild species can be taken from the forest.
Diseases and pests
Dangerous pests of birch are the May beetle and the gypsy moth.
Ministry of Education of the Moscow Region
State budgetary institution
Secondary vocational education
Zaraisky Pedagogical College named after V.V. Vinogradov
Practically significant project
Topic: “Birch is the tree of life. »
Listener: Shabalkina T.G.
Checked by: Bogomolova V.M.
Deev E.E.
Zaraysk
2012
Plan:
1.Birch - tree of life
2.Biological description
3.Distribution
4.Meaning and Application
5. Birch in culture and ethnography. Birch in paganism
6.Birch in fine arts
7.In heraldry
8.Birch in the culture of Slavic peoples and in Russia
9. In the culture of other peoples
10.Literature
Birch - tree of life
For a long time, birch has enjoyed special honor and respect in Rus'. This is connected not only with the fact that the white-trunked forest beauty has become a kind of symbol of spring, light, love for the motherland, but also with its numerous healing properties. It is no coincidence that the birch is called the tree of life and health.
BIRCH grows in many countries. In Russia, birch groves occupy third place in terms of distribution area after pine and deciduous forests.
Few people know that in addition to the traditional white color of birch bark, it can be yellow, pink, bright orange, dark purple, and black.
In general, there are about 120 species of birch, 64 of which are found in Russia. The lifespan of a tree does not exceed 120 years, with the exception of the so-called iron birch, which sometimes reaches up to 400 years.
Almost everything that birch is capable of producing - bark, buds, leaves, birch sap and even birch mushroom (chaga) in the form of ugly growths on the trunk - is used in folk medicine.
People call the birch the beauty of Russian forests.
Slender, with thin long branches and a spreading crown, it is attractive at all times of the year. Many songs, epics, legends have been written about the birch, and many picturesque paintings have been created. Everyone knows it, it is the most common tree. The symbol and pride of the Russian people. White birch is beautiful and open field, and in a bright forest clearing. And the white trunks of a birch grove against the background of summer grass and bright flowers - such a picture will be remembered for a lifetime! There is a lot of light in the birch forests, the air is transparent and clean.
Birch blooms at the end of April and early May, followed by hazel and willow. Her flowers are modest - earrings. And when yellow-lemon leaves appear on the birch, it means September is around the corner.
Birch fruits are easily carried by the wind. It quickly grows where other trees cannot grow in cleared forests, which is why birch is called the pioneer of forests. Birch grows quickly. In a quarter of a century it rises to the height of a five-story building, especially on damp soils. From them, the tree pumps out up to forty buckets of moisture during a warm summer day. And everything from birch goes into business. Medicines are prepared from the kidneys. Brooms and brooms are made from branches. From birch bark - it is separated in paper-thin layers - folk craftsmen make tueski, baskets for collecting mushrooms and berries. Birch firewood is the best fuel in a Russian stove. The wood is used to make plywood, furniture, durable skis, turpentine, wood alcohol, and vinegar.
It is impossible to imagine the life of our ancestors without birch. Their source of light was a birch sliver, which illuminated their homes for many centuries. In total there are more than 140 species of birch trees. They grow throughout the northern hemisphere - from the subtropics to the tundra. There are up to 70 species in our country. But some species of birch trees are disappearing due to unwise logging.
Currently, four species of Far Eastern birch and Mingrelian birch, growing in the Caucasus, are listed in the Red Book. The age of birch sometimes reaches 120 years. If you cut a birch trunk in early spring, a clear, slightly sweet liquid will flow out of it - birch sap. It is used to prepare drinks and kvass. But as the proverb says: “Birch trees are worth a penny, but the forest is worth a ruble.” A wounded tree, deprived of its reserves, which are used to form young shoots and foliage, is depleted. In addition, harmful microbes enter the trunk through the wound and cause tree diseases. It’s better to leave the birch alone and not damage it. But its skillful use in medicinal purposes will not harm the tree.
Young birch leaves, unopened buds, and the mulberry mushroom - chaga: fruit nodule-like growths with a cracked black surface have healing properties. They are being collected all year round. It is pleasant and joyful to walk in a birch forest during mushroom season. After the rain, yellow, elastic chanterelles appear under the birch trees. Where birch grows in the forest interspersed with pine, boletuses with red and yellow caps rise to the surface. But you will experience special joy when you see a golden, tanned hat porcini mushroom, reputed to be the king of mushrooms.
Biological description:
Birch bark
Many types of birch are widespread and important forest-forming species, largely determining the appearance and species compositiondeciduousand coniferous-deciduous (mixed) forests V moderate And cold parts Eurasia And North America. There are among the birches andbushes. The most famous of themDwarf birch(Betula nana) common in tundraEuropeAnd North America And mountain tundraSiberia. It does not even reach 1 m in height. INglacialand during the post-glacial period this birch was distributed much further to the south; now it is found there onswamps How relic.
Most birches are very frost-resistant, do not suffer from spring frosts, and toleratepermafrost, penetrate far beyondArctic Circleor form the upper border of forests in the mountains (birchcrooked forest on Caucasus). Birch is more demanding of warmthsubtropicalareas (Himalayan-Chinese, some Japanese and AmericanRiver birch .
To wealth soilbirch is not demanding. Birch species grow onsandy And loamy, on rich and poor, on wet and dry soils. It is found on damp banks of rivers and seas, in swamps, in swampytundra, on dry rocky slopes, in hot drysteppes. For example, Birch Raddeforms forests coveringgorges V mountain forest belt in the mountains Dagestan.
Most birches are light-loving, although there are some that are quite shade-tolerant (Ribbed birch , Woolly birch And Yellow birch .
Birch forest nearInari (FinnishpolarLapland)
Many species of birch are pioneers in settling clearings,burnt out, wastelands and outcrops (this isSilver birch: in these places, pure birch stands (secondary forests) are often observed, mainly of the grass type, so birch is often classified as a soil-improving species. Subsequently, the composition of the forest stand changes: birch is replacedspruce, since spruce shoots can exist under a relatively light birch canopy, and young birch trees are shaded by spruce trees and die.
Birch groves and forests mixed with birch are characterized bymycorrhiza-forming kinds mushrooms, many of whom live in communities exclusively or predominantly with birch. The most common and well-known of them are:
some milkmen (milk mushroom black , pink wave, certain typesRussula - green russula, yellow russula, food russula
Meaning and Application:
The simple and touching beauty of birch gives it high aesthetic value. A slender, white-trunked, light-colored tree that provides a through shade, decorating any rural look at any time of the year, is especially loved in Russia. Since ancient times, the birch has been the image of Russia.
Decorate with birch brancheschurches and dwellings on Trinity.
Leaves are given with alum yellow paint For wool.
In beekeeping, birch is important as a pollen carrier.
Birch splinterwas considered in the old days the best for illuminating peasanthut- it burns brightly and almost withoutsoot.
Birch brooms are harvested as feed for livestock for the winter.
Birch is used more often than other types of wood for harvestingfirewood.
Wood
Birch veneer
Birch is wood)
To obtain large, good ornamental material, birch is cut down at 60-80 and sometimes even 100 years of age; onfirewoodthose considered the bestfuel, it is suitable already at 40-60 years old. Birch is of little use for buildings, as it soon rots due to the development of fungus.
Heavy dense birchwoodQuite durable and resistant to splitting. The color is white, with a more yellow core. Used to make high qualityplywood, skis, small carved toys,buttsfirearms.
Growths that occasionally form on the roots, large branches or trunks of birch trees -cap- on the cut they have a peculiar complex and beautiful pattern. Treated burl has long been used to make elegant crafts:boxes, snuff boxes, cigarette cases, decorative furniture parts. Especially appreciatedKarelian birch, which is distinguished by a very complex wood texture. Products made from “bird's eye” - a special type of burl, white with a black pattern - cost the same as gold.
Tar soap
Dry distillation of white bark producestar.
Birch tar is used in medicine and perfumery, mainly as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent. In the old days they lubricated ithubscartwheels to reducefriction.
Birch bark
The top layer of birch bark has its own name - birch bark, or birch bark (both spellings and pronunciations are acceptable).
Due to the presence of resinous substances, birch bark is extremely durable.
Two sides of a piece of birch bark
Birch bark has long been used infolk craftsfor the manufacture oftueskov, baskets, boxes,buckets, baskets, another kitchenutensils, the simplest shoes (bast shoes), served as writing material (birch bark letter).
Birch bark is perfectly preserved in river sediments,peat bogs, thanks to which the academicianV. L. Yanin opened in Novgoroda whole treasure trove of ancient Russian manuscripts.
There are also many ancientChinese And Sanskrittexts on birch bark.
In former times it was used frommalaria(which was called intermittent fever).
The peoples of the North and Far East used birch bark to makeboatsand housing constructions -chumov.
Novgorod birch bark charter12th century.
Birch sap accumulates nutrients, includingSahara. In the spring, with the beginning of sap flow (before the leaves bloom), these substances begin to rise to the leaves.
If cuts are made on the trunk at this time, a significant amount of water will flow out of them.juice(sap - liquid released from cut vessels in the wood of stems or roots of living plants under the influence of root pressure), containing from 0.43 to 1.13% sugar. The phenomenon of leakage is observed after the first thaw; In the first days, the leakage is insignificant, but then gradually increases and, after reaching a maximum after some time, begins to gradually decrease, and by the time the buds open, it completely stops. The duration of the juice flow is several weeks.
Collecting birch sap depletes the tree, and also through wounds on the bark into living ones.fabricspathogens can penetratemicroorganisms, the tree may become sick and eventually die. In this regard, after collecting the juice, it is recommended to cover up damage to the barkvarom or clay.
Syrup based on birch sap paper birchUSA. Alaska
Birch sap is used to prepare various drinks. A large birch tree can produce more than one bucket of sap per day. Juice sometimespreserve, acidifying phosphoric acid. Evaporated birch sap is used for spring feeding of bees.
Birch in culture and ethnography
Birch in paganism:
Birch - keremet(object of worship) inChuvash village
Since the time of the clan system, birch has been a cult tree and national symbol the majorityFinno-Ugric peoples - Karelian, weigh, Mansi, Khanty, Permians, Komi-Zyryan, Finns (sum) and Finnish Tavasts (eat), - as well as a highly revered national tree among the Scandinavians -Swedes And Norwegians.
Rune of Berkana
Eighteenth runeGermanicalphabet, rune of growth and fertility - Berkana- means “birch”, “birch branch”.
Among the Scandinavians, the birch was a symbol of the goddessNerthus, who was considered the great Mother Earth.
Until now in the Middle and NorthSweden“Birch Days” are celebrated between April 22 and May 1. In this case, the so-called “maypole", that is polewith a crossbar at the top, which is decorated and entwined with young birch branches and the first wildflowers, and this object, which actually replaces a natural birch tree, becomes the center of gathering for youth and various open-air entertainments, reminiscent in this way of the ancient holiday celebrated at the living, growing Sacred Birch.
Stefan Permsky cuts down a foul birch tree
In Slavic beliefs, the attitude towards birch was ambivalent: according to some traditions, the tree and products made from it, includingbirch bark, were considered amuletfrom evil spirits; in particular,birch brooms, used inbath, were also considered as instruments of ritual purification, and on the eveIvan KupalaBirch branches were stuck above the door to prevent evil spirits from entering the house. According to other traditions, the birch was considered an unclean tree, in whose branches people settled.devils And mermaids, and which is the embodiment of the souls of deceased relatives; birch was also considered a tree from which evil spirits make their tools - for example,witchesAccording to legend, they fly on birch brooms.
"Semik". Splint. XIX century.
In the vintage Russian female ritual holiday - Semikwhich was celebrated on Thursday in the seventh week afterEaster, the girls went into the forest to “curl the birch tree.” Having chosen the trees, the girls curled them - they tied the tops of two young birches, bending them to the ground. Wreaths were woven from branches. At the same time they sang songs and walkedround dancearound a birch tree decorated with ribbons, bringing it to the village. When curling the wreaths, the girls worshiped, orgot sisters: they hung birch branches tied in a circle oncross, the girls kissed in pairs through this wreath, exchanged some things (rings, scarves) and after that called themselves godfather or sister.
It is believed that Umay(Umaya), Turkicgoddess personifying the earthlynature, descended to the ground with two birches.
Folk signs
A lot of sap flows from a birch tree in spring - for a rainy summer.
In autumn, birch leaves will begin to turn yellow from the top - early spring; they will turn yellow from below - late.
If the birch tree becomes pubescent, then expect a dry summer, but ifalder- wet.
If there are a lot of earrings on the birch trees - for the harvestpeas(Vladimir province)
If there are a lot of buds on a birch tree in spring -milletthere will be plenty (Chuvash)
If a birch cone is three times in the spring, thenoatswill be born well (Tobolsk province.
If birch buds bloom from below, then vigorous bread (good grain) will be born (Perm province)
In the spring aspenand a good sap for the birch - there will be vigorous bread (Tobolsk province)
If the leaves on the birch are thick and dark green (with an abundance of summer moisture) - to the harvest and growing bread
When a yellow leaf appears on the birch tree in spots the size of a horse’s head, it’s time to sow winter bread (votyats.)
If the leaves on the birch tree turn yellow at the top, rye should be sown on the first sowing; if in the middle - in the middle, if closer to the root - in the last sowing (votyats.)
When the birch catkins burst, it’s time to sow bread (Chuvash)]
If the leaves at the top of the birch tree have blossomed earlier and more, the grain needs to be sown earlier; if they bloom more in the middle, you need to sow medium; if more flowers bloom below, sow later]
If the birch tree blooms from above, then early sowing is better, if in the middle - middle sowing, if from below - late sowing (about sowing spring grains)
Sow oats when the birch leaf begins to bloom
Russian proverbs, sayings, riddles and jokes about birch
There is a tree, green in color. In this tree there are four lands: the first is for the sick to health, the second is a well for people, the third is light from winter, the fourth is swaddling clothes for the decrepit
The birch tree is not a threat: where it stands, it makes noise (Yarosl province)
The birch bark is white - but the tar is black
The birch is thin, but it teaches reason
For the enemy, birch is a threat
Birch sap with pulp
Green, not a meadow, white, not snow, curly, not a head (riddle)
I’ll climb up the mountain, strip the heifer, lard in my mouth, and skin away (riddle - birch sap)
Birch in fine arts:
Arkady Rylov.
Green noise.1904.
Isaac Levitan.
Golden autumn.1895.
Surely many of us associate the image of the whole of Russia with the appearance of an ordinary white birch tree. Its descriptions are often popular with poets, musicians, painters and other artists, attracted by the simple beauty of Russian wood.
"The Country of Birch Calico"
As this was clearly noted by the great poet beloved by many. Birch is used as a metaphorical detail, even compared to the soul of the great people of our fatherland.
Numerous songs, poems, and paintings, passed down from generation to generation, are dedicated to the beauty and uniqueness of the beautiful birch tree.
Perhaps this is why the description of birch for children, including in the visual arts, even from school, is so important for their spiritual growth and the formation of a sense of patriotism, the expansion of their emotional responsiveness, as well as the development of love for nature. It is important that the vocabulary will be significantly expanded after becoming acquainted with unique picturesque images.
Love for beauty, which is the nature that surrounds us, formed in early childhood, is able to protect the soul from callousness, make it kinder and more sympathetic. And this is an undeniable truth.
And the main question that faces teachers and others is how to help children see and hear the world. Therefore, it is no coincidence that when raising a child they use the descriptive image of a white beauty.
Where to begin?
Birch is always good. Any season of the year makes it unique and elegant. Everyone is familiar with her green earrings, silk braids, silvery dew, white bark. All this is such a characteristic description at all times. The birch tree has retained its appearance from time immemorial.
And at the same time, each season has its own characteristics and images.
The tenderness of spring foliage, the shine and aroma of pointed leaves are charming. The pink reflections of the waking sun's rays, timidly running across the snow-white bark, enchant the eye.
Green sprinkled garlands on long thin twigs of branches falling to the ground in summer time, confirms the triumph of nature, blooming in all its glory.
The description of a birch leaf with its unique carving at any time of the year often becomes central theme many lyrical works.
The gold of the birch “clothing”, shining under the blue azure of the autumn sky, dresses up the whole earth with stunning shades, saturating the farewell ceremony until spring with a unique colorful decoration. It is not for nothing that autumn was the favorite time of year of our great poet, Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin: “... The charm of the eyes!... The lush decay of nature, the forests dressed in crimson and gold...”
And, of course, a fabulous winter, which turns the beautiful birch tree into a huge fountain of snow splashes and ice floes frozen on the branches and sparkling with a diamond shine in the sunlight of a clear frosty day.
Historical reference
A characteristic and quite interesting description of the birch tree for children can be conveyed through folk signs and peasant folklore.
The sacred tree, which our common ancestors, the Slavs, considered the birch to be, personified beauty, the radiance of light and the purity of a woman.
The white-trunked beauty was honored on a holiday specially designated for her, according to church canons - Semik, when she received special attention. Young girls decorated the birch tree with ribbons and flowers, wove wreaths on their heads, sang songs and danced around it.
In addition to the festivals dedicated to the folk tree, there were many peasant signs and sayings identified and invented by farmers and simple observers of nature.
Many signs were associated with sowing. So, they sowed bread when the birch catkins burst, and oats - when the leaves were already blooming.
If in the spring they tried birch sap and it turned out to be tasteless, then it was believed that there would be a rich harvest of bread.
The birch tree also suggested what the summer would be like. If it blooms its leaves before the alder, then the summer will be dry. If it's the other way around, it's rainy.
It was also a great coincidence that they talked about spring. came if the top began to turn yellow first, the later - from the lower side. And snow covered the ground late, if in early October the birch tree was still standing.
As can be seen from the examples, a lot is said about the birch tree in riddles, fairy tales, and poems.
"February Azure"
It would seem, what does birch have to do with it? But even here, it turns out, you can easily raise the level of education for children by expanding their horizons when meeting very famous work painting.
The snowy birch tree often attracted many painters, short description which can be found out by studying reviews, the history of creativity and directly the paintings of great Russian artists.
So is Igor Emmanuilovich Grabar. He painted a picture widely known to the public, and not only in Russia, under the picturesque title “February Azure.”
Having created his masterpiece and later telling the story of its creation, the landscape painter recalled that at that time there were wonderful, sunny February days: “Something unusual was happening in nature. It seemed that she was celebrating some unprecedented holiday of the azure sky, pearl birches, coral branches and sapphire shadows on lilac snow.”
Therefore, having looked at this work at least once, you easily remember the image of a birch tree and are quickly transported to that fresh winter mood that its author put into the picture.
Memorable images of birch trees
The description of birch for children of grade 3, as well as other age categories, can be continued according to the precisely noticed characteristic “birch” features, some of which have become almost - blond birch, sticky leaves, delicate spring greens, earrings and emerald-colored outfit, silk curls, white-trunked beauty, lacy foliage, solemn garlands... This list can be continued indefinitely, comparing the slender and fair beauty with poetic images.
Children can be given an example of other types of terms used in science, including such a characteristic phrase as “silver birch,” a description of which can be read in biology textbooks.
About the name
The word “birch”, in Latin betulus, is translated as “blessed”, “happy”. This is associated with healing power birch sap, which has a magical effect.
As a version, there is an assumption that the name was formed from batuere - “to flog”, “to beat”. Most likely, because the tree rods served as convenient devices for punishment.
The third assumption is based on the similarity of the name and the word bhe, meaning “white”, “light”, “pure”.
Biology about birch
The description of birch for children can be continued by citing biological characteristics.
The crown, trunk and roots are the main components of a tree, like other similar species. Distinctive Features are: a clearly defined trunk, the presence of lateral branches and apical shoots. This is its basic biological description. The birch tree initially grows at a relatively slow pace, but after a few years the development becomes rapid.
Biologists estimate that the tree is about 120 tall and grows up to 40 meters. However, there are varieties of it as a shrub, including those that develop with their shoots on the ground.
The root system of birches is represented by powerful superficial and deep underground branches, thanks to which the tree is quite stable. However, the central main stem dies. Further life activity is carried out due to lateral shoots, which form a large number of roots.
The white color of the tree bark is due to the presence of betulin, which is a white resin. The outside bark of the main part of the trunk is covered with smooth birch bark, easily peeled off in strips. Below, the tree has a darkly colored trunk with large cracks giving it a rough appearance.
A description of birch for children can be given through comparison with other similar representatives of groves. Where there are many different trees - both young and old, thin-trunked, short and tall - the bright bark especially stands out. And the birch grove seems weightless and full of freshness and purity.
Benefits of wood
Birch is especially loved by scientists studying history. It is known that in ancient times the cost of parchment reached sky-high levels. And birch bark and its properties made it possible to use it as a material on which various letters were placed. It was thanks to them that information about ancient life and the peculiarities of everyday life was able to reach us.
Boxes, bodies, boats, shoes were also items that could only be obtained thanks to this tree.
Birch is also useful for humans as a simple plant. It purifies the air and gives coolness on a hot summer day. In addition, it is a valuable material from which you can make boards, furniture, and paper.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the birch was, is and will be a symbol of our great Motherland. It is good both in summer and winter. And it will please the eye for a long time if we maintain a good attitude towards nature.
People in ancient times grew birch trees near their yards, believing that this tree could protect them from diseases, especially during epidemics. The tree was planted near the gate and a bench was placed next to it so that you could sit down and talk to it, ask for health and help. People also believed that birch could ward off evil spirits. Settlements were fenced with a birch ring; various amulets made from birch bark were popular.
Description of the tree
Birch is a tree no more than 25 m high. The trunk is smooth, white and straight, with black lines on the bark. Branches with resinous warts, thin, well developed and dense. Mature trees have drooping branches.
The leaves are smooth on both sides, long-petiolate, pointed at the end and wide at the base, diamond-ovate or triangular in shape, 3-4 cm long. Young birch trees have fragrant and sticky leaves. Buds form in March. They are elongated, reddish-brown in color, astringent in taste and resinous.
Birch is a monoecious crop. The tree has staminate (male) and pistillate (female) catkins. Staminate catkins are located in 3-4 pieces at the ends of branches, 6-7 cm long, pendulous. Pistillate catkins are 2.3-3.5 cm long, erect, axillary, located one at a time on short lateral branches.
Begins to bloom in April-May. Male inflorescences develop in autumn and continue to remain in winter; female inflorescences are formed when the leaves bloom. Pistillate inflorescences are connected in 3-4 pieces, have 3-lobed scales. The fruits begin to ripen in August-September. One earring contains approximately 600 seeds. The fruit is a flat single-seeded nut of elliptical oblong shape, with two wings, they are 3-4 times larger than the nut itself. The seeds are carried by the wind and take root well when placed on moist or dry, loamy, sandy, rocky-gravelly or black soil. The tree grows very quickly and renews itself beautifully by self-seeding and shoots.
Where does birch grow?
There are about 150 species of birch trees in the world. Of these, approximately 70 species grow in our country. These trees are not very different from each other and are used in medicine in the same way. The most common are silver birch, downy birch and squat birch.
Birch is photophilous, tolerates any climate well. Grows in forest-steppe and forest zones. Quite common in gardens, parks, and grows near roads. The tree's lifespan is approximately 120-150 years.
Birch often creates derivative forests in place of burned or cut down spruce, pine, deciduous and oak forests. It quickly begins to populate the vacated space, but is replaced over time by other tree species.
Variety of species
The exact number of birch species due to polymorphism has not been determined. But many scientists are inclined to believe that there are about 150 of them. There is no single classification, but the most successful is the division of all species into four groups:
Here are the most common types of birch trees.
Warty (hanging)
The most common type, the height of the birch is up to 35 m and has a trunk diameter of 80-85 cm. Young birch trees have brown bark, which turns white by the age of 10. In old trees, the lower part of the trunks turns black and begins to become covered with deep cracks. The branches are covered with a scattering of a large number of resinous formations that resemble warts, which is why popular name - warty birch. The branches of young trees hang down characteristically, which is why birch is often called silver birch. Grows in Asia, North Africa and Europe. The variety requires sun, easily tolerates drought, and is frost-resistant.
Hairy (fluffy)
The tree has a height of 20-27 m, a trunk diameter of about 75 cm. Young trees have red-brown bark, which after time becomes snow-white. The crown of a young tree is slender, narrow, with branches directed upward, becoming spreading and wide with age. This species grows in the European part of Russia, in Siberian forests, the Caucasus and Western Europe. The variety does not particularly need sun, it is shade-tolerant and winter-hardy. Feels very good in wetlands, prefers moist soil.
Sweet (sticky, cherry)
The tree is medium-sized, trunk diameter up to 65 cm, height 22-27 m. The crown is pyramidal, over time it becomes transparent, round, with drooping branches. The variety is characterized by dark brown, uneven bark, which is covered with pronounced cracks. The bark of young growth has a fragrant, spicy smell. This species grows quickly, preferring moist, light and well-drained soils, is a long-liver. It has average winter hardiness and often freezes in severe frosts. Due to its high demands on growing conditions, it never becomes a dominant tree. Grows well in Belarus and the Baltic countries.
Karelian
This species can reach 6-9 m, but often has the form of a small bush. The trunk is often covered with multiple irregularities (swells or tubercles) and is characterized by an unusual pattern that resembles marble veins. Wood is valued in furniture production.
Stone (Ermana)
This tree received its name in honor of the German traveler and physicist Adolf Georg Ermann. Among the birch trees it is a long-liver; some trees can grow up to 500 years. With a small height of 10-12 m, the tree usually has a curved trunk diameter of up to 1 m. The bark is flaky, dark gray or brown, and begins to crack with age. The branches are erect, pubescent and warty in young growth, forming a translucent, wide, very beautiful crown.
Unpretentious, shade-tolerant species, cold-resistant, grows well on rocky soils. On swampy soils it is replaced by downy birch; it does not tolerate excess moisture well. It grows in Yakutia, Buryatia, China, the Far East, Korea and Japan.
Dwarf (dwarf, short)
This species is found on the plains and also grows in the mountains and tundra. It resembles a bush with powerful branching or is a low tree whose trunk is surrounded by warty branches. The bark of this tree is dark brown; young trees have a densely pubescent trunk. For growth and development, it prefers slightly acidic or acidic soil; it tolerates waterlogged, heavy soil well.
River (black)
The most heat-loving variety of tree with a trunk diameter of more than 1 m and a height of up to 35 m. The openwork crown is formed by ovoid or oval leaves, gray or whitish below, dark green on top. The bark can be brown, gray or rough, and in some cases there are even and smooth trees with creamy pink bark that peels off like paper. Widely distributed in America, heat-loving species.
Useful material
Birch leaves contain:
Birch buds contain: ascorbic acid, essential oil and saponins, as well as bitterness, phytoncides, grape sugar, resin, tannins.
Birch bark contains betulol (triterpene alcohol), which protects the tree from fungi and due to which the plant has White color, saponins, glucosides (gaulterin and beta-loside), acids (lilac, protocatechinic, oxybenzoic, vanillic), bitter substance, leucoanthocyanins, catechins, a small amount essential oil, resinous and tannin substances.
Tar, which is obtained from birch bark using dry distillation, contains cresols, phenol, guaiacol, and dioxybenzenes.
Birch sap contains sugars - glucose and fructose, protein, malic acid, aromatic and tannin substances, vitamins B and C. In addition, birch sap is rich mineral microelements and substances such as:
Kidneys
Decoctions and infusions of birch buds produce diaphoretic, choleretic, analgesic, blood purifying, wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects.
An alcoholic infusion of birch buds is taken when hiccups, pain in the intestines and stomach, as well as for colds. In addition, tincture of the kidneys is used as compresses and rubs for gout, rheumatism, lumbago, joint pain, abrasions, bedsores, non-healing wounds and cuts.
Bark
Birch bark is used in the treatment of ulcers and wounds, as well as diathesis. It does not allow suppuration of the affected area of the skin. Birch bark decoction is used for uterine bleeding and malaria. A decoction of the thin film that grows from birch bark helps with coughing. The film is also applied to draw out pus from boils. Birch root is used as an antifever and antirheumatic drug. In folk medicine, birch root ash is also used for hiccups, heartburn, ulcers and indigestion of the duodenum or stomach.
Tar, which is obtained from birch bark, has antimicrobial, bactericidal, local irritant and insecticidal properties. It is found in Konkov, Wilkinson and Vishnevsky ointments, which are used to treat head lice, wounds and skin diseases.
In the old days, birch tar was used to treat patients with scabies and leprosy.
A mixture of alcohol, castor oil and birch tar is used for severe skin itching, as well as during the treatment of oily seborrhea of the skin. To treat skin diseases, birch tar is used in the form of liniment or 15-35% ointment. It is also used for purulent wounds and burns.
During prolonged use of birch ointments and tar based on it, irritation of the skin may occur, and during eczema, an exacerbation of the disease may begin to develop.
Leaves
Decoctions of birch leaves and buds ease menstruation, increase the secretory activity of glands, with roundworms they produce an anthelmintic effect and accelerate the onset of menstruation. Birch leaves and buds have a positive effect on metabolism in the body and promote the elimination of harmful substances and slags.
Infusions and extracts of birch leaves are used during various liver diseases, they improve general state patient, have an antiemetic and analgesic effect, increase bile secretion, and reduce the size of the liver.
Fresh and dry steamed leaves I am used as compresses for sweating feet and burns, as well as for rheumatic diseases.
Birch is a tree distributed throughout the world; it takes root well in a new place and is not fussy about replanting; however, its use in the industry is not very developed. Only certain varieties with great hardness make an exception.
