BIRCH (genus Betula, birch family) grows everywhere here. There are several species of the genus Betula, including downy birch (B. pubescens), warty birch (B. verrucosa) and silver birch (B. pendula). The tree blooms simultaneously with the leaves blooming, in late April – early May. In spring, from a distance, birch forests look lilac-lilac, as a “spring tan” appears on the bark of the branches thanks to the anthocyanin pigment. This pigment protects the bark of young branches from bright spring sun rays. Female flowers are collected in small earrings sticking up. Men’s earrings are yellowish-brown, drooping.