Betula pendula f. dalecarlica 'Dalecarlica', cutleaf weeping birch
Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Betula pendula f. dalecarlica 'Dalecarlica'

cutleaf weeping birch

Betulaceae

Europe (forma from Dalarna, Sweden); species native to Europe and western Siberia

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height40-60 feet (12-18 m)
Width20-30 feet (6-9 m)
Maturity18 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2 - 8
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Overview

Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica' is a botanical forma of European white birch with deeply dissected, almost fern-like leaves that create an exceptionally fine-textured canopy. It reaches 40–60 feet (12–18 m) tall and 20–30 feet (6–9 m) wide with the same chalk-white bark, black diamond-shaped markings, and increasingly pendulous branchlets as the species — but the foliage is immediately distinctive: leaves are deeply lobed with long, narrow, pointed segments giving a lacinate (cut) appearance unlike any typical birch leaf. The effect is a tree that combines the luminous white bark of European birch with a feathery canopy of exceptional delicacy. Fall color is clear yellow. Also sold as 'Laciniata.' Like all Betula pendula forms, this tree is highly susceptible to bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius) in PNW lowland settings, where trees regularly decline and die within 15–25 years. Betula utilis ssp. jacquemontii is a more durable white-bark alternative for PNW landscape use.

Native Range

Betula pendula is native to Europe and western Siberia. The forma dalecarlica originated in Dalarna province, Sweden, and has been cultivated since the 18th century.

Suggested Uses

Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica' is grown as a fine-textured specimen tree where the combination of chalk-white bark and deeply dissected lacy foliage provides year-round interest. Most suited to cool, moist PNW microclimates where bronze birch borer pressure is lower. The exceptionally fine texture is effective against dark evergreen backgrounds or as a focal point near water. Not recommended for hot, dry inland lowland sites. For white-bark longevity, Betula utilis ssp. jacquemontii is a more reliable alternative.

How to Identify

Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica' is identified by deeply dissected, lacinate leaves with long, narrow, pointed lobes — far more finely cut than any typical birch leaf, resembling the foliage of a fern or a parsley plant when seen up close. Combined with the characteristic chalk-white bark and black diamond-shaped markings of Betula pendula and the increasingly pendulous branchlets, the deeply cut foliage is immediately diagnostic. Fall color is clear yellow.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height40' - 60'
Width/Spread20' - 30'

Reaches mature size in approximately 18 years

Colors

Flower Colors

brown

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Pendulous male catkins visible through winter elongate to 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) in March through April before leaf-out, releasing pollen. Female catkins mature into pendulous cylindrical seed catkins that shed small winged nutlets in late summer. Bloom period is not ornamentally significant.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

brown (male catkins)

Foliage Description

bright green, deeply dissected in summer; clear yellow in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandsilt
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15-20 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica' requires consistent soil moisture, cool root zones with mulch, and avoidance of soil compaction and drought stress — all of which increase bronze birch borer susceptibility. Highly susceptible to bronze birch borer in PNW lowland settings; trees in warm, dry inland sites typically decline within 15–25 years. Inspect annually for D-shaped borer exit holes in upper branches. Site in cool, moist microclimates for best longevity. For white-bark trees with better long-term durability in PNW lowlands, Betula utilis ssp. jacquemontii or Betula nigra 'Cully' are strongly preferred.

Pruning

Prune in summer (June through August) or fall — avoid spring pruning when sap bleeds freely from wounds (February through May). Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The tree develops a naturally graceful form requiring minimal corrective pruning. Monitor annually for early signs of bronze birch borer infestation in the upper canopy.

Pruning Schedule

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summerfall

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic