Silver birch

Tree

Betula pendula

Silver birch

Graceful, fast-growing tree with white bark, weeping twigs and yellow autumn leaves; a superb wildlife tree.

  • Full sun, Partial shade
  • 15–25 m (49–82 ft)
  • 5–1 m (16–33 ft)
  • H7 · Zone 5
  • Deciduous

Overview

Silver birch is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to Europe and Asia, known for its white, peeling bark, weeping twig tips and small diamond-shaped leaves that turn butter-yellow in autumn. Catkins appear in spring.

It is hardy to below −25°C (−13°F), USDA zones 2–7, and grows in poor, light soils in sun. It does poorly in hot, humid summers: in warm climates it is short-lived and very prone to the bronze birch borer, so it is not recommended where summers regularly exceed about 24°C (75°F) for long periods.

Its light shade allows planting beneath, and it supports many insects and birds.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun, Partial shade
Height 15–25 m (49–82 ft)
Spread 5–1 m (16–33 ft)
Hardiness H7 · Zone 5
Soil Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Arching, Upright
Water Moderate
Maintenance Easy

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -25°C (-13°F)
pH Range 5–7.5
Fertility Poor
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • North-facing
  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Site Tolerance

  • Exposed sites
  • Wind
  • Drought

Soil Tolerance

  • Clay
  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Persistence Deciduous
Colour Green, Yellow
Leaf shape / texture Diamond-shaped, toothed
  • Autumn colour

Foliage interest: April–October

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Foliage
Propagate
  • Foliage Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
  • Propagate Sep Oct

How to propagate

One way to grow more Silver birch: the usual steps for each method.

From seed Sep–Oct Easy

You'll need: Seed compost, a seed tray or small pots, labels, and a clear lid or plastic bag.

  1. Fill a tray or pots with seed compost, level it and firm it gently.
  2. Water the compost and let it drain.
  3. Sow the seeds thinly on top. Cover them with a fine layer of compost or vermiculite about as deep as the seed is big; leave tiny seeds uncovered.
  4. Label them, cover with a clear lid or bag, and keep them somewhere bright but out of hot sun.
  5. Keep the compost just moist, and take the cover off once seedlings appear.
How long
Usually comes up in 1 to 3 weeks.
It's worked when
Seedlings with their first pair of leaves.
Then
When each has its first true leaves, prick them out into their own small pots, holding them by a leaf, never the stem. Harden them off for a week or two before planting out.

Sow fresh seed on the surface; it needs light to germinate.

Garden Design

Works well in: Modern / Contemporary, Wildlife-friendly, Woodland / Shade

Light canopy and white bark; plant in groups of three for a woodland feel.

Companion planting: Bulbs, Ferns, Grasses

Wildlife Value

  • Moths
  • Birds
  • Beneficial insects
  • Shelter
  • Food source
  • Caterpillar food plant
  • Nesting cover for birds
  • Food

Caterpillars it feeds: Buff-tip, Pebble hook-tip, Kentish glory

Food for birds: January, September, October, November, December