About

Betula cordifolia is a slender, deciduous tree that can grow beyond 12 meters in height. Its leaves are green with serrated edges, while the bark exhibits a dark red-brown hue that transitions to white or bronze-white in mature specimens.

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
Sand, Loam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
Higher than 12 metres
Spread
wider than 8 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native to
NE N America

Care notes

Cultivation
Will grow in wide range of situations in sun or part-shade. For more information, see tree cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting
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