About
Betula dauurica 'Maurice Foster' is a medium-sized tree, typically reaching heights of around 12 meters. It often features multiple stems. The young branches display white bark that peels away in curls, exposing a reddish-brown layer underneath. As the tree matures, the trunk develops a dark brown and corky texture. The leaves are broadly oval with a toothed margin and a vibrant green hue. Male catkins hang down in a yellow-brown color, while the female catkins are upright and green.
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
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or 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