Betula Pendula (Silver Birch) 'Fastigata'

An upright form of the Silver Birch, resembling the shape of a Lombardy Poplar.

It tends to spiral its way upwards giving a corkscrew effect of twiggy birch branches that hold their leaves slightly longer that most other varieties.

The bark, although similar to B. pendula is not as spectacular as the white barked clones.

This medium to large tree has stiffly ascending branches which give it a columnar habit.

In cultivation since the 1870s, it makes a good street and car park tree as it requires little space.

It grows well on most soils and the highest recorded specimen comes in at over 30 metres although I have never seen one at half that size.

Mature height: 20m+