Betula alba, White Birch, Downy Birch, Moor Birch, European White Birch, Hairy Birch

Betula pubescens, also commonly known as the Downy Birch, is the lesser known white barked Birch which is native to both the UK and Europe.

Like all Birch, this tree has an attractive bark which is a dull white and peels with age, it is distinguishable from Betula pendula in that it is duller in colour and does not exhibit the dark diamond-shaped cracks on the bark. 

As the common name suggests, the Downy Birch has downy shoots and small ovate leaves which have a serrated edge.  Catkins are produced early in the spring before the leaves emerge.

Betula pubescens prefers a damper soil than Betula pendula and is therefore more generally found towards the West of the UK, yet is a tough contender and will tolerate most soil conditions.

As a mature tree, this specimen is more compact than Betula pendula, forming a more pyramidal shape than its relation. 

It is a great choice for damper parklands and estates and is useful in creating copses with a naturalised look.

Mature height: 17-22m

Common names

Betula alba, White Birch, Downy Birch, Moor Birch, European White Birch, Hairy Birch

Height of tree

17-22m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Pyramidal

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Bark interest, Native

Location

Parkland

Genus

Betula