Icelandic birch (Betula pubescens) forms extensive woodlands in
northern Europe and is the dominant woody species in the Subarctic
covering vast territories and utilized by animals as well as humans.
The northern woodlands represent a unique plant formation in the
world whose biodiversity and cultural diversity are today endangered.
Here in Iceland, four species of shrubs often coexist in
the woodlands: Icelandic Birch (Betula pubescens), Dwarf Birch (Betula
nana), Woolly Willow (Salix lanata) and Tea-leaved Willow (Salix
phylicifolia). More rarely you find Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
and Aspen (Populus tremula).
Woodlands cover large areas, where Icelandic birch is
the dominant woody species. In open woodlands there is diverse ground
vegetation: low-growing berry shrubs, herbs, grasses, ferns and even
sedges.
In Iceland, birch forms extensive woodlands that sustain
important
animal food webs. The birch woodlands are productive in terms of
leaf biomass and seed production. Sheep may include birch in their diet,
often preferring birch to other available vegetation.
