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The trees of this family show characteristic flowers in unisexual catkins.

The most common species of Betulaceae in France are gathered together here. In the Aphid key file a simplified key based on photos is provided to help you identify aphid species.

Common alder (Alnus glutinosa)

This common species is used for consolidation of river banks but also cultivated for its wood. Alder wood has strong calorific value  good therefore as burning fuel; it is also used in cabinet making and prized for being ideal for making guitars.  

Italian alder (Alnus cordata)

The Italian alder thrives on drier ground than alder. It is used in afforestation projects geared to soil stabilization (spoil heaps, urban sites and so on).

Silver birch (Betula pendula) and downy birch (Betula pubescens) harbour a whole train of similar aphids.

Birch species are planted as ornamental trees. The wood is used for making paper pulp, fibreboard and particleboard but also in joinery and cabinet making.

Common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

Hornbeam is planted as an ornamental tree (in tree tunnels). Its timber is excellent as firewood. The wood is hard and lends itself to the manufacture of specific objects (chopping blocks, butchers’ stalls, billiard cues, skittles and bowls, tool handles)

Hazel (Corylus avellana)

The hazel is a hardy tree which occurs throughout France, grown for its fruit, the hazelnut. Its production for the market is centred in the Gironde and Midi-Pyrénées. The wood is used making gardening stakes, basketwork and marquetry.