About
A rapidly expanding deciduous tree, Betula nigra 'Cully' reaches heights of up to 18 meters. It features a conical shape and distinctive, shaggy bark that is creamy-brown with orange hues, peeling in layers. As the tree matures, the bark develops ridges. The leaves are glossy dark green and exhibit a diamond shape, transforming to golden-yellow in the fall. In early spring, it 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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, North-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
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Will grow in a wide range of situations
- 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