Betula pendula

Betula pendula is a medium-sized tree that is distributed widely in Central and Northern Europe, but is mostly confined to mountain ranges in Southern Europe. It is a short-lived, fast-growing pioneer species that is light-demanding and able to colonize extreme sites, yet is not particularly drought tolerant. B. pendula forms light canopies that are often invaded by more shade-tolerant species, which eventually outcompete it. It is an important hardwood species particularly in Northern Europe. Its light-colored wood is widely used for plywood and veneer. It is also frequently grown in cities and can be used for reclaimation of contaminated sites.
This is a tree species of highest importance for insect herbivore species, especially in N Europe. While many associates are polyphagous on deciduous trees and shrubs, a sizeable fraction (especially among leaf miners) are highly host specific to birch trees.
References: ^1,2,3,6