About

Betula ermanii 'Daleside' is a deciduous tree known for its ornamental value. This cultivar exhibits a conical growth habit and features smooth, creamy-white bark that peels away in layers from the trunk and branches. The leaves are oval, toothed, and dark green, transitioning to yellow in the fall. In spring, it produces elongated green catkins that mature to a yellowish-brown as the leaves unfurl.

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, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
8-12 metres
Spread
4-8 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade but tolerant of a range of soil conditions. See tree cultivation for further advice
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by 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