Birch leaves in spring... safe to use?

[connorlindeman]

Ive got some birch leaves that I picked early in spring. When tried they are green, not brown. Are they still safe to use?

@Byron @Colin_T[/USER

 

[Byron]

No, not if they are green. Leaves must be dead dry, such as those that fall in the autumn.

I do not know if a green leaf left until it turns brown is safe, or how long this takes if it is safe. Leaves that dry and turn brown on the tree and then fall off are devoid of sap.

 

[connorlindeman]

I meant to say that when DRIED they are green

 

[connorlindeman]

No, not if they are green. Leaves must be dead dry, such as those that fall in the autumn.

I do not know if a green leaf left until it turns brown is safe, or how long this takes if it is safe. Leaves that dry and turn brown on the tree and then fall off are devoid of sap.

Hmmm. They have been drying for months and are still not brown. I guess I'll wait a few more months and see what happens?
Maybe its best to just wait till fall...

 

[Byron]

Hmmm. They have been drying for months and are still not brown. I guess I'll wait a few more months and see what happens?
Maybe its best to just wait till fall...

I am not a botanist but this suggests to me that when a leaf dries on the tree, the sap is all pulled out, and then the leaf falls off. A new leaf plucked off the tree may not lose its sap easily, or quickly. You could cut into one of the leaves and see if it is still moist. A dead dry leaf is going to crumble, green leaves do not.

 

[connorlindeman]

I am not a botanist but this suggests to me that when a leaf dries on the tree, the sap is all pulled out, and then the leaf falls off. A new leaf plucked off the tree may not lose its sap easily, or quickly. You could cut into one of the leaves and see if it is still moist. A dead dry leaf is going to crumble, green leaves do not.

Just tried that and the leaf is still slightly moist. Kinda bendy still. Definetly not crumbly.
I will wait till fall I guess.