What’s going on here?

[JordanCT]

Cut this black birch about a month ago, and I am curious if anybody can explain what’s going on with the stump.

 

[begreen]

Looks like the root system is still trying to deliver nutrients and water to the tree.

 

[SpaceBus]

That is some crazy looking fungus.

 

[jackatc1]

It is just the sap crystalized. If you are bold taste it,should taste like maple sugar.
But with a birch flavor
Many people tap Black Birch to make syrup.

 

[osagebow]

Yep. Should be pretty tasty

 

[peakbagger]

Yup its the roots trying to cure a real big wound on the tree. The sap come up out of the roots and is concentrated and what ever air born yeast and fungi in the area colonize it. In theory some of those yeast and fungi's would yield alcohol and that is the beginning of making fermented beverages.

 

[Woody Stover]

Yep. Should be pretty tasty

I'd be hesitant, but judging from the fragrance of the River Birch I've burned, it would probably taste gooood!

 

[Ctwoodtick]

I had a big black birch stump that did similar. I think it turned a shade of orange.

 

[begreen]

This tongue-in-cheek article explains what you are seeing
https://blog.mycology.cornell.edu/2010/04/30/tree-slime-stump-flux-and-microbial-consortia/

 

[jackatc1]

Before wild Honey Bees became scarce I would see them swarming fresh cut stumps.
Also from time to time Humming birds.

 

[johneh]

Also Orials like to feed on it
see them often on fresh cut maple and birch

 

[maple1]

It is just the sap crystalized. If you are bold taste it,should taste like maple sugar.
But with a birch flavor
Many people tap Black Birch to make syrup.

Doubtful it would taste like maple. Unless comparing to some kind of really bad maple.

 

[Sawset]

If you are bold taste it,should taste like maple sugar.

Just make sure and give it a lick before someone's pup comes by.

 

[KJamesJR]

Looked like a pretty healthy birch, expect lots of side shoots come summer.