World Plants Logo

search the world

Woody > Betula > Betula pendula > Betula pendula

Betula pendula


European White Birch




Origin:  Europe.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

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.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Betulaceae
Genus
Betula
Species
pendula
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (deciduous)
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 6
Canadian Hardiness Zone
0a - 5b
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7
Temperature (°C)
-46 - (-21)
Temperature (°F)
-50 - (-5)
Height
25 m
Spread
15 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
May
General Description
Graceful pendulous branching tree. This tree has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
Landscape
Once a popular tree in the landscape the dreaded birch borer has destroyed its reputation. The better choice is now Betula nigra
Cultivation
Transplants easily but should be moved in the spring. Needs a lot of moisture but site should be well drained.
Shape
Drooping with a somewhat rounded crown.
Growth
Medium
ID Characteristic
Pure white bark and delicate diamond-shaped leaves that droop.
Pests
Suffers from extensive Bronze Birch Borer and Leaf Miner and unless adequate moisture is supplied will experience stress.
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.
Notable Specimens
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
Propagation
Seed will germinate with proper light treatment or 2-3 months of stratification at 5°C.
goToTop
top