Opatówek, near Kalisz

Native to eastern North America. Ornamental plant. Edible plant - inner bark cooked or dried and ground into a powder, sweet and spicy; sap raw or cooked, a sweet flavour; the dried leaves and bark from the larger roots are a delightful tea substitute. Herbal plant - the bark is anthelmintic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic and stimulant; a tea made from the bark is used in the treatment of fevers, stomach aches and lung ailments, it is said to be an excellent tonic in cases of dysentery and to be useful in the treatment of gravel and female obstructions; an essential oil distilled from the bark is anti-inflammatory, analgesic and rubefacient, it is used in the treatment of rheumatism, bladder infections, neuralgia etc.; a tea made from the twigs is used in the treatment of fevers; the leaves can be chewed or used in an infusion in the treatment of dysentery. Usable plant - the wood is very strong, close grained, hard, heavy, it is richly marked providing lumber and veneer for use in the manufacture of furniture, cabinets, boxes, plywood, panelling and also in ship and boat building; betula lenta pulp is used in various products such as box boards, book and newsprint, and corrugated paper; the thin outer bark is waterproof and has been used as the outer cladding on dwellings, canoes etc.; an essential oil is obtained from the bark and twigs, it is distilled in quantity and is an item of commerce, it can be used medicinally, as a food flavouring, as an ingredient in cosmetic shampoos and also to make a wholesome tea.