Himalayan Birch

Betula utilis, the Himalayan birch or bhojpatra (from Sanskrit: भूर्ज bhūrjá), is a deciduous tree native to the Himalayas, Central Asia, and China, growing at elevations up to 4,500 m (14,800 ft). The Latin specific epithet utilis means "useful", and refers to the many uses of the different parts of the tree. The white, paper-like bark was used in ancient times as a writing surface for manuscripts of Sanskrit literature. It is still used as paper for the writing of mantras, with the bark placed in an amulet and worn for protection.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Himalayan Birch being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Betula tianschanica
• Betula lanata
• Betula ermanii
• Betula davurica
• Betula raddeana
• Prunus serrula

Classification

Kingdom

Plantae

Phylum

Tracheophyta

Class

Magnoliopsida

Order

Fagales

Family

Betulaceae

Genus

Betula

Species

Betula utilis

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