About
This deciduous tree features a narrow, conical shape and has slender, drooping branches. The bark is initially white, transitioning to a rough, dark appearance near the base. The leaves are diamond-shaped, deep green with serrated margins, and transform to a vibrant yellow in the fall. In spring, it 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
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Sicily
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