Silver Birch (betula pendula)

This is a distinctive medium sized, deciduous tree. It is easily identified by it white, paper-thin bark which comes off the tree in strips (and is good for fire lighting). Its leaves are small, serrated and triangular in shape. It is monoecious which means both male and female catkins appear on the tree in the spring. It is wind pollinated. 

The light canopy of silver birch means that ground plants such as bluebells, wood anemones, violets and mosses can grow at its base. It is often found on heathland as it can cope with drier conditions. 

It is found all over England. In Scotland it is not to be confused with its cousin the downy birch.