About

Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Trinity College' is an erect, medium-sized deciduous birch that can reach heights of around 6 meters. In spring, it produces dark green, serrated leaves that transition to a soft yellow hue in the fall. Its distinctive white bark develops earlier than that of many other birch varieties. The tree features yellow-brown catkins that emerge in the spring.

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
Loam, Clay, Chalk, Sand
Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, North-facing, South-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Spreading branched, Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Will grow in a wide range of situations, including alklaline soil in sun or part-shade, but grows best in acid or neutral soil. See tree cultivation for further advice
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