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Betula pendula
European white birch
Europe and western Siberia; widely distributed from Iceland to the UralsLearn more
Overview
Betula pendula is European white birch (silver birch), a deciduous tree growing 40-60 feet (12-18 m) tall and 25-35 feet (7.5-10.5 m) wide with weeping branch tips. Silvery-white bark with black diamond-shaped patches at branch junctions. Bright green triangular to rhomboid leaves 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm) with long-pointed tips, doubly serrated. Turns clear yellow in fall. Brown pendulous male catkins 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm) in March-April. In Betulaceae. Native to Europe and western Siberia. Bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius) is the primary limitation in North America — B. pendula is the birch most susceptible to this borer. In zones 6-8 the tree is frequently short-lived (15-25 years) due to combined borer and heat stress. Leaf miner (Fenusa pusilla) disfigures the foliage with brown blotches. Not drought-tolerant. The silvery-white bark with black diamond-shaped patches and the weeping branch tips distinguish B. pendula from B. papyrifera (paper birch — chalky white bark without diamonds, no weeping). B. nigra 'Cully' (Heritage river birch) is a borer-resistant alternative for warmer climates. Non-toxic. Zones 2-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate to fast.
Native Range
Native to Europe and western Siberia — widely distributed from Iceland to the Urals.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen tree in residential gardens spaced 25-35 feet (7.5-10.5 m). Silvery-white bark. Weeping branch tips. Yellow fall color. Short-lived in zones 6-8 due to bronze birch borer — consider B. nigra 'Cully' as an alternative. Non-toxic. Zones 2-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 60'
Width/Spread25' - 35'
Reaches mature size in approximately 18 years
Bloom Information
Early spring (March-April). Brown pendulous male catkins 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm). Female catkins smaller, erect. 3 weeks of catkin display. Wind-pollinated. Small cylindrical seed catkins disintegrate in fall.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Brown male catkins 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm) long, pendulous; female catkins smaller, erectFoliage Description
Bright green, triangular to rhomboid, doubly serrated with long-pointed tips, 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm) long; turns clear yellow in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours). Well-drained acidic to neutral soil pH 5.0-7.0. Not drought-tolerant. Bronze birch borer is frequently fatal in zones 6-8 — monitor for crown dieback. Leaf miner disfigures foliage. Prune only in summer (June-August). Non-toxic. Zones 2-8.Pruning
Prune only in summer (June-August) to avoid heavy sap bleeding. Remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches. Crown dieback (top-down branch death) indicates bronze birch borer — consult an arborist. The weeping branch tips are the natural form — do not remove.Pruning Schedule
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