About
Betula alleghaniensis is a tall, narrow deciduous tree that features a conical shape. Its bark peels away in layers, revealing a distinctive texture. The leaves are ovate and shift to a yellow hue in the fall. Male catkins hang down and can reach lengths of up to 10 cm.
About the genus
Betula comprises both deciduous trees and shrubs, known for their vibrant autumn foliage and distinctive bark that can be white, pink, or brown and peeling. In spring, male and female catkins emerge separately, preceding or coinciding with leaf growth.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- E North America
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position
- Pruning
- pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Root softwood cuttings in summer, or propagate by grafting in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to birch borers, leaf-mining sawflies and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus, a tree rust and powdery mildews