About
A rapidly growing deciduous tree, Betula nigra can reach heights of up to 18 meters. It features a conical shape and distinctive shaggy bark that peels in layers, initially displaying shades of pinkish-orange before maturing to brown, dark gray, or nearly black, with older specimens exhibiting a ridged texture. The glossy green leaves are diamond-shaped and shift to yellow during the fall. In early spring, this tree produces yellow-brown male catkins that can grow up to 8 centimeters in length.
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
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, 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
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- C & E USA
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
- 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