Silver Birch

Betula pendula, also known as Silver Birch or “The Lady of the Woods,” receives its name thanks to its graceful and slender appearance.

Betula pendula is a pioneer species, and even though it seems to grow everywhere in the UK, it is very difficult to transplant bare-rooted; however, our containerised trees counter this trend and do very well post-planting.

Betula pendula has foliage that is small and plentiful and a conical and semi-weeping crown shape, responsible for its graceful appearance. Like all Birch trees, Betula pendula has an attractive bark which is creamy white and develops horizontal lines and large, diamond-shaped cracks as the tree matures. In spring, it produces yellow-brown male catkins and smaller green female catkins, which add further seasonal interest.

This large and vigorous Silver Birch tree grows well on most soils but is not well-suited to areas where the soil becomes compacted. At Barcham, we stock "Betula pendula" as both a multi-stem and single trunk tree, which may be useful for slightly more exposed sites, as its centre of gravity is much lower.

Its foliage turns a soft golden yellow in the autumn, providing gentle seasonal colour before the leaves fall.

Silver Birch is generally short-lived compared to other native trees, with an average lifespan of 60–80 years, though it can live longer in ideal conditions.

Minimal pruning is required, but if needed, it is best carried out in late summer to avoid excessive sap bleeding.

Betula pendula is a woodland tree that requires plenty of space to grow; it is suitable for parklands and large gardens and is especially suited to schemes that aim for an ornamental feel with a native focus.

Mature height: 12-17m

Common names

Silver Birch

Height of tree

12-17m

Soil type

Well drained

Shape

Pyramidal

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Good for bees, Bark interest, Native

Looks good in

Autumn, Winter

Location

Garden, Parkland

Genus

Betula

Autumn Colour

Yes