About
Betula pubescens is a slender, deciduous tree that typically reaches heights of around 20 meters. Its distinctive white bark peels away while maintaining a white appearance at the base. The tree features upward-reaching branches and smooth, soft shoots that support mid-green leaves, which are rounded to diamond-shaped. In autumn, the foliage turns yellow, and in early spring, the tree produces yellow-brown 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, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe to C Asia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun or light, dappled shade in moist but well-drained soil, tolerant of poor or wet, acid soils
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, 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