0/0

    Birch

    Common · Betuere

    Healing · Alchemical · Magical · Defensive

    Terrain Arctic/Tundra, Forest, Hills, Swamp/Marsh

    Description

    There are about 120 species of birch trees worldwide, 65 of which are found in Russia. Not all birches have the traditional white bark. Some species have bark on their trunks and branches that is yellow, pink, bright orange, dark purple, or even black. Their wood varies in hardness and quality. The most remarkable among them is the iron birch, or Schmidt birch (Betula schmidtii), native to the Primorye region and Kamchatka in Russia. It has exceptionally hard and heavy wood, more durable in products than metal. Its trunk cannot be sawed; it can only be chopped down, wearing out axes in the process. The iron birch lives up to 400 years, whereas the lifespan of most other birches does not exceed 120 years.

    Location and Habitat

    Birch is a widely distributed tree in the Northern Hemisphere. It is found in Europe, Asia, and North America, growing on forest edges, in forests, in swamps, on poor and rocky soils, often forming pure or mixed groves.

    Rarity and Availability

    Birch is not considered a rare species; it is one of the most common trees in many regions and is readily available for harvesting and use.

    Effects and Uses

    In medicine, birch buds, leaves, and sap are used as anti-inflammatory and restorative agents. Birch tar is used to treat skin and parasitic diseases.

    Harvesting & Preparation

    • Leaves & Buds. Commonly collected in early to mid-spring when buds are swelling. Requires a DC 12 Wisdom (herbalism kit) check to gather without damaging the tree.
    • Sap. Tapping incorrectly might cause undue harm, so a DC 13 Dexterity (Survival) check or Wisdom (herbalism kit) check is required.

    Items & Effects

    • Birch Sap Tonic (Restorative Draught). A lightly sweet, rejuvenating beverage collected in early spring.
      • Creation. Requires 1 pint of fresh sap and 1 hour of slow heating with herbs (such as mint or juniper). A DC 12 Wisdom (herbalism kit) check yields 1d4+1 doses of the tonic.
      • Use (Ingested).
        • Refreshing Boost. Drinking a dose as part of a short rest grants an additional 1d4 hit points of healing.
        • Mild Purification. Once in the next hour, the drinker can roll a d4 and subtract the result from any ongoing Poison or Disease save DC they face (i.e., it’s easier to shake off minor maladies).
    • Birch Bud Tincture.
      • Creation. Requires 2 hours to soak chopped birch buds in high-proof alcohol. On a success, a DC 13 Wisdom (herbalism kit) check produces up to 3 vials.
      • Use (Applied Externally or Ingested).
        • Ache Relief. When rubbed into the skin during a short rest, the recipient gains advantage on Constitution saving throws to resist fatigue-like effects (e.g., forced marches) for 8 hours.
        • Boon vs. Blight. Once in those 8 hours, the creature can treat a failed saving throw against necrotic or disease-based damage as a success (but still takes half damage if the effect calls for it).

    Lore

    There are several theories about the origin of its Latin name. It may come from the Celtic word betu, meaning "birch," or from a modification of the Latin batuere, meaning "to beat" or "to lash." In the past, lazy schoolchildren and students were whipped with rods, most often made from birch.

    There are numerous customs associated with the birch tree. For example, in ancient times, girls would decorate birches with ribbons taken from their braids, weave birch wreaths, go to the river, and, standing with their backs to the water, toss the wreaths over their heads. If the wreath sank, it was believed that the girl would die that year or her dreams would not come true. But if the wreath reached the opposite shore, it meant that her love would "reach" the heart of a young man.

    When a child was born into a family, a young birch sapling was planted near the house. According to folklore, this would make the child happy and protect the family living in the house from misfortunes. In almost all European countries, cradles for newborns were made from birch wood, as it was believed that this tree would protect the baby from bad dreams and evil spirits.

    From Witch’s Herbs 5E, p. 18 · Fern Flower Press