Description

Popular in Europe, this species often plays second fiddle to its cultivars and paper birch, yet is an outstanding ornamental with its white bark and yellow fall color, very hardy; needs well-drained soils, keep stress-free to prevent birch borer troubles

Landscape Attributes

European Birch is a deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

European Birch is recommended for the following landscape applications;

Planting & Growing

European Birch will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America.