Overview
Betula occidentalis is a bushy trees in the genus Betula, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 14 metres tall. Betula occidentalis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.
About
The identity of similar birches in Alaska is disputed; some include them in B. occidentalis, while others regard them as hybrids between Betula neoalaskana and Betula glandulosa. It typically occurs along streams in mountainous regions, sometimes at elevations of 2,100 metres (6,900 feet) and in drier areas than paper birch. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 14 m (46 ft) high, up to 25 centimetres (10 inches) thick. The bark is dark red-brown to blackish, and smooth but not exfoliating. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for cottage and informal garden. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Betula occidentalis
About the genus
A birch is a thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree of the genus Betula, in the family Betulaceae, which also includes alders, hazels, and hornbeams. It is closely related to the beech-oak family Fagaceae. The genus Betula contains 30 to 60 known taxa of which 11 are on the IUCN 2011 Red List of Threatened Species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Birch", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Birch
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Betula
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Betula occidentalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 14 metres
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Betula occidentalis
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in a seed bed in autumn or take softwood cuttings in summer
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Betula occidentalis?
Betula occidentalis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Betula occidentalis need?
Betula occidentalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Betula occidentalis grow?
Betula occidentalis reaches a height of 14 metres.
Is Betula occidentalis hardy in the UK?
Betula occidentalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Betula occidentalis?
Propagate by seed sown in a seed bed in autumn or take softwood cuttings in summer.
