Know How:
Encyclopaedia of trees- Choosing shrubs and trees
- Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
The Silver Birch is a large tree growing to 20m with an initially narrow, later rounded crown and relatively short branches. Produces yellow catkins in spring. Striking white bark.
Leaves
Sharply toothed or diamond-shaped leaves; 4-7cm, long, 3-5cm wide, leaf stem 1.5-3cm long. Double-toothed edge. Pale green, gently aromatic sheets, Leaves are dull green above and pale green below, turning luminous yellow in autumn.
Flowers
Flowering period III-V, greenish or brown catkins, approx. 5cm long, before the leaves starting in early May.
Fruits
Inconspicuous yellow-brown catkins produced from thin-skinned monocarpous winged nuts, 2-3cm long.
Bark
White-grey or grey-black bark, with horizontal lenticular banding when young. Purple-brown branches.
Photos
Related
Types of damage
Application
Open country, afforestation, open fields, pioneer tree, tip afforestation, forage for honey-bees, public areas, parks, roadside verges, backyards, private parks, gardens
Native regions
Europe, Northern Asia, Siberia
Location parameters
Light: full sun to semi-shady, temperature: warm to cold, soil: dry to moist, soil structure: firm to airy, soil depth: shallow to medium, compaction: to be avoided, soil quality: medium, pH value: 5.0 to 7.0
Demands
Sun to slight shade, sprawling bent growth in strong shade; heat-tolerant, frost-hardy; moderately dry to wet, tolerates flooding; acid to weak alkaline; undemanding and adaptable; tolerates urban climates
Growth
Height of growth: 20m to 30m, spread: 3m, rapid growth potential, growth habits: tree-like, conical, ovate
Leaves
Sharply toothed or diamond-shaped leaves; 4-7cm, long, 3-5cm wide, leaf stem 1.5-3cm long. Double-toothed edge. Pale green, gently aromatic sheets, Leaves are dull green above and pale green below, turning luminous yellow in autumn.
Flowers
Flowering period III-V, greenish or brown catkins, approx. 5cm long, before the leaves starting in early May.
Fruits
Inconspicuous yellow-brown catkins produced from thin-skinned monocarpous winged nuts, 2-3cm long.
Bark
White-grey or grey-black bark, with horizontal lenticular banding when young. Purple-brown branches.
Roots
Intensive, compact and extremely shallow, main roots rise vigorously after approx. 5-10 years, extremely sensitive to compaction of the soil