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Birch

{| width="200" align="right" | |--------- |A birch tree (larger image) |--------- | |--------- |Above; bark of Siver birch (Betula pendula) |--------- | |--------- |Above; timber of Silver birch (Betula pendula) |}

Birch is the name of any tree of the genus Betula, in the family Betulaceae, closely related to the beech/oak family, Fagaceae. These are generally small to medium-size trees or shrubs, mostly of northern temperate climates. The simple leaves may be toothed or lobed. The fruit is a small samara, although the wings may be obscure in some species.

In times past, commercial oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate) was made from the sweet birch, Betula lenta.

Birches of eastern North America include:

See also; Trees of Britain, Trees of the world