Betula pendula 'Youngii' (Young's weeping birch)

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Betula, Genus, pendula, Species, 'Youngii', Cultivar,

Genus & species
Cultivar

Young's weeping birch

Betulaceae

Europe and western Siberia (the species); 'Youngii' is a cultivar of garden origin

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 2–8

Overview

Betula pendula 'Youngii' is Young's weeping birch (dome birch), a small dome-shaped deciduous tree growing 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m) tall and 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m) wide. All branches cascade downward from the crown, forming a dome that may reach the ground. Silvery-white bark with black diamond-shaped patches — the same bark as the species. Bright green triangular to rhomboid leaves 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm), doubly serrated. Turns clear yellow in fall. Brown pendulous male catkins 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in March-April. In Betulaceae. Top-grafted onto a straight B. pendula trunk — no central leader. The final height depends on the graft height (typically 5-7 feet / 1.5-2.1 m above ground). Susceptible to bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius) — the same limitation as the species. The graft union can fail in exposed windy sites or under heavy snow loads. Branches that reach the ground may create a ground-level tangle requiring periodic trimming. Not drought-tolerant. Non-toxic. Zones 2-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

The species B. pendula is native to Europe and western Siberia. 'Youngii' is a cultivar of garden origin.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a specimen tree in small residential gardens, courtyard gardens, and near patios spaced 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m). Dome-shaped weeping form. White bark. Small footprint — fits sites where full-sized birches are too large. Non-toxic. Zones 2-8.

How to Identify

Identified by branches cascading downward from the crown forming a dome shape on a small tree with silvery-white bark and black diamond-shaped patches. The dome shape with no central leader (all branches pendulous) distinguishes 'Youngii' from the upright species and from 'Dalecarlica' (cutleaf — upright with weeping tips only). Top-grafted — a visible graft union on the trunk. In Betulaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 15'

Width/Spread8' - 15'

Colors

Flower Colors

brown

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Flowers: March–April

Spring

Early spring (March-April). Brown pendulous male catkins 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). Female catkins smaller. 3 weeks of catkin display. Wind-pollinated.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Brown male catkins 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), pendulous; female catkins smaller

Foliage Description

Bright green, triangular to rhomboid, doubly serrated, 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long; turns clear yellow in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial 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 (Acidic to neutral)

3579

Soil Types

loam sand silt

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

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. Susceptible to bronze birch borer. The graft union can fail in exposed windy sites. Trim branches that tangle at ground level. Prune only in summer (June-August). Non-toxic. Zones 2-8.

Pruning

Prune only in summer (June-August) to avoid heavy sap bleeding. Trim ground-reaching branches to prevent a tangled skirt. The dome shape is natural — do not attempt to train upright. Remove any shoots emerging below the graft union (these are rootstock growth, not 'Youngii').

Pruning Schedule

Prune: June–August

summer