About

Betula 'Long Trunk' is a slow-growing deciduous tree characterized by its weeping form and distinctive, peeling white bark. Its leaves are sizeable, glossy, and deep green with serrated margins, transitioning to a golden yellow in the fall. In spring, the tree produces yellow-green catkins.

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
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Pendulous weeping
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
4-8 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Architectural

Care notes

Cultivation
Thrives in moist but well drained soil, in full sun or light dappled shade. For more information, see tree cultivation
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer, or by 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