The silver birch is a genuine, native deciduous tree of the British countryside. Sometimes known as “Lady of the Woods” due to its graceful appearance, it is not a long-lived tree as most specimens become diseased or die by the age of 70. In the wild, it is a pioneer species, and will take over open areas or newly disturbed ground.

It has papery-white bark, which darkens and cracks as the tree ages, which leaves it prone to attack by the birch polypore fungus Piptoporus betulinus. The leaves of the silver birch are small, toothed and roughly diamond-shaped. Betula Pendula bears male catkins in early spring that can be as long as 4in (10cm) and their pollen is released in clouds during April. The emerald green leaves emerge shortly after and turn a golden colour before falling in the autumn.

Silver birch is ideal where only dappled shade is required as it has an open habit, allowing a range of plants to be grown underneath it – ferns look rather attractive in this position. The twigs can be bound together to make traditional brooms called besoms and are reputedly flown by witches!

Growing Requirements

Soil
The silver birch tolerates a wide range of habitats, but grows best on dry sandy soils and does well in higher altitudes than most other broadleaved species.

Size
Betula Pendula is relatively fast growing and it can reach a height of 82ft (25m) with a spread of around 32ft (10m) at maturity which it will reach in about 40 years.

Propagation
Plants are normally grown from seed although they can be grown from cuttings. The seeds are brown and yellow flake-like and are wind dispersed.

Family: Betulaceae
Genus: Betula