Overview
Betula pendula is a columnar upright, bushy, spreading branched tree in the genus Betula, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 20.0 m tall. Betula pendula grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Alaska, Albania, Alberta, Altay, Amur, Argentina South, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, British Columbia and Bulgaria.
About
Betula pendula, the silver birch, is a species of tree in the family Betulaceae It is native to Europe, Morocco, temperate Asia, Canada, and Alaska, although in southern Europe and Morocco it is only found at higher elevations. Its range extends into Siberia, China, and southwest Asia in the mountains of northern Turkey, the Caucasus, and northern Iran.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Betula pendula
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
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Betula pendula size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- tree
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 20.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Alaska, Albania, Alberta, Altay, Amur, Argentina South, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, British Columbia, Bulgaria
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Betula pendula
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings, Grafting
- Pest resistance
- Birch borers, Leaf-mining sawflies, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Tree rust, Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Betula pendula?
Betula pendula prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Betula pendula need?
Betula pendula is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Betula pendula grow?
Betula pendula reaches a height of 20.0 m.
Is Betula pendula hardy in the UK?
Betula pendula 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 pendula?
Seed, Softwood cuttings, Grafting.
More in the Betula genus
Browse all Betula →
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