Beith - Birch

Beith, known commonly as silver birch or Betula pendula, is associated with the time of the wheel just after the Sun-return (winter solstice/yule), from December 25 - January 20th. It is a fast growing deciduous tree with branches that gracefully angle upward and then bow at the tips, adorned with triangular leaves with double-toothed margins. It is one of the first trees to flower in the spring, and both male and female catkins grow on the same tree; this special trait allows them to self-sow and create their own groves. It is this attribute that makes it one of several ground-breaking pioneer trees in the oghamic system.