Botanical Name: Betula pendula
Common Name: European white birch
Type of Plant: dicot: tree
Character deciduous
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape an upright, single or multi-trunked tree, with the primary branches ascending and smaller side branches weeping-drooping to form a loose oval canopy; the bark is gray-white, smooth, with large transverse lenticles
Height 20-40' (60')
Spread 1/3-1/2
Growth Rate moderate
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoor full or partial sun
Soil moist, acidic, well-draining soils
Hardiness hardy (zones 1-11, 14-24); avoid dry desert heat
 
Morphology:
Leaves pinnate, alternate, ovate-rhombic; unequally serrate, 1"-2 1/2" long, dark glossy green; acuminate apex; petioles 1/2-1" long
Flowers staminate flowers borne in catkins (late summer-fall) mostly at the ends of the branches; female catkins on lateral spur branches
Fruit winged nutlets (falling from the cone when mature)
 
Propagation:
seed
 
Usage:
a very popular accent tree for its unusual form and fall color (in colder areas); planted in groves; lawn tree; suitable for temperate climate, woodsy landscapes
 
Landscape Care:
Watering regular watering; not a good drought-tolerant plant
Fertilizing balanced fertilizer in spring, plus iron
Pruning stake when young and select leader branches; prune seldom
Pests/Diseases aphids, sooty mold, spider mite
Special Conditions/Other
 
Origin: Northern Europe
Family: Betulaceae

Notes:
 
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