Betula pendula (European White Birch)
Michael's Opinion
Should be sited with care in our gardens because of the typical Ontario summer drought. Prolonged stress exposes the plant to the greater risk of birch borer infestations.
Botanical Information
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Genus | Betula |
| Species | pendula |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Tree (deciduous) |
| Origin | Europe. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 2 - 6 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 0a - 5b |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -46 - (-21) |
| Temperature (°F) | -50 - (-5) |
| Height | 25 m |
| Spread | 15 m |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | May |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Graceful pendulous branching tree. This tree has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern. |
| ID Characteristic | Pure white bark and delicate diamond-shaped leaves that droop. |
| Shape | Drooping with a somewhat rounded crown. |
| Landscape | Once a popular tree in the landscape the dreaded birch borer has destroyed its reputation. The better choice is now Betula nigra |
| Propagation | Seed will germinate with proper light treatment or 2-3 months of stratification at 5°C. |
| Cultivation | Transplants easily but should be moved in the spring. Needs a lot of moisture but site should be well drained. |
| Pests | Suffers from extensive Bronze Birch Borer and Leaf Miner and unless adequate moisture is supplied will experience stress. |
| Notable Specimens | Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England. |
| Bark/Stem Description | White, does not exfoliate as much as B.papyrifera. B. pendula at maturity can become blackened with a small amount of white. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Imbricate, curved, pointed, brownish black. |
| Leaf Description | Alternate, simple, broadly ovate, 2.5-5.5 cm long to 2.5 cm wide, dark green, leafs out early in spring. |
| Flower Description | Staminate 3.5-8.5 cm long usually in pairs. |
| Fruit Description | Small nutlet in cylindrical catkins, shed in autumn. |
| Colour Description | Glossy green in summer changing to yellow in autumn. |
| Texture Description | Medium to fine in leaf. |
Photographs
Betula pendula 'Youngii'.
Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica'
Scanning electron microscope images of pollen grain.