Common Trees in the Tundra
Birch Tree
The type of Birch Tree located in the Arctic is the Downy Birch, also known as Betula pubescens. This tree is also native to Iceland, Europe, Greenland, and northern Asia. This is a deciduous tree that grows to be ten to twenty meters tall. The leaves grow to be two to five centimeters long and 1.5 to 4.5 centimeters wide. The leaves are a triangle/heart shape. In April through May, the Downy Birch grows a flower called the Catkin. The Catkins grow to be six centimeters long. The Birch's fruit season is September trough December. This tree has many uses. In Scotland the timber of the tree is used in homes for furniture, carts, and gates. The bark is used for tanning leather and they use the sap for medical benefits. They also use the sap as a sugar that is put in wine.