Species: Alaska Birch (Betula neoalaskana)

Information About

Alaska Birch

Quick Facts
Latin

Betula neoalaskana

Other Names

Betula resinifera,

Subspecies

Alaska Birch in Detail.
About

Alaska Birch or Alaska Paper Birch are a deciduous tree with noticeable white bark. Alaska Birch grows to heights of 45-60ft tall.

Alaska Birch (Betula neoalaskana) is tapped for it's sap which is harvested in the spring. The sap is prepared into a syrup much like maple syrup. There's even the Alaska Birch Syrup-makers Association which was formed in 1992. Trees in dried areas produce less sap, but contain higher concentrations of sugar. The amount of sap produced is also proportional to the diameter of the tree.

Straight birch sap is also consumed as a tonic. "Forest Drink" is a consumable made by mixing birch sap with cranberry juice.

Alaska Birch are prone to being fed upon by Birch Aphids.

Consumers

Moose

Habitat & Range

Alaska Birch (Betula neoalaskana) is found all throughout interior Alaska from the southern slopes of the Brooks Range and the northern portions of the Kenai Peninsula.