Downy birch

Downy birch is a pioneer species of forests on fairly moist to wet and rather nutrient-poor and acidic soils. The species is less frequent on drier soils. It is a fast-growing and light-demanding tree, reaching only 80 to 100 years of age.

In very nutrient-poor bog woodlands, downy birch can dominate but if it is slightly richer, it co-occurs with black alder.