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Gerald L. Klingaman
Betulaceae
Betula pendula
Common Birch, European White Birch, Silver Birch
European white birch is a softly pyramidal tree when young, becoming more rounded at maturity with graceful arching branches. This high-altitude native of northern Europe and Asia features beautiful white, exfoliating bark and deeply-cut, lacy leaves. Small greenish catkins appear in the spring and are quite eye-catching.
European white birch is tolerant of both wet and dry soils in full sun. This handsome tree has been used extensively in the cool-climate park landscapes. However, its use is declining due to its high suceptability to bronze birch borer attacks, especially as trees are first stressed and weakened by drought. There are many cultivars available including the purple-leaved 'Monte' and the dwarf 'Trost'. 'Gracilis' and 'Youngii' make excellent weeping form specimens.
7 - 1
2 - 7
A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Tree
Full Sun, Partial Sun
40'-70' / 12.2m - 21.3m (50)
20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m
Spring
Northern Europe, Russia/Siberia
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Average
Loam
Wet Site, Drought
Medium
Average Water
Pyramidal
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Green
Black
Light Green
Dark Green
Light Yellow, Yellow Green
White, Brown
Striped/Striated
No
Single
Glossy
Yes
Exfoliating
Feature Plant, Screening / Wind Break, Shade Trees, Street Trees
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