PSC 2620: Woody Trees and ShrubCourse HomeWeek 5

Betula pendula - European White Birch

Plant Viewer
The mature bark is white with black ridges and prominent horizontal lenticels, with very little peeling. The leaves are dark green and almost diamond shape. The margin is doubly serrated.
The young bark exhibits the peeling attribute characteristic of many other Birch varieties. Betula pendula is considered one of the most graceful and beautiful trees.

Plant Description

This is one of nature's most beautiful trees. The European White Birch has a noble and stately form that is gracefully softened by its gently-weeping form. A mature and healthy specimen is certain to attract plenty of attention in any setting, but it is best used as a focal point where its beauty is truly accented. It grows 40-50 feet high with a spread of about 25-35 feet. The form is pyramidal when young and matures to an upright and rounded form when mature. Plant in a location with moist and cool soil.

Young bark is brown, but as the tree matures it turns to a bright white. A very small amount of peeling will occur on the bark, but the main ornamental feature is the white color and the dark horizontal lenticels. As the tree matures, dark brown or black vertical fissures form on the trunk.

The leafs are dark green and glabrous, and broadly-ovate, almost diamond-shaped and 1-3 inches long. The margin of the leaf is doubly serrated. In the fall the leaves turn a faded yellow, often spotted with brown or black. Long catkins in clusters of three form in the spring and through summer. Shorter seed-bearing catkins appear in late summer and the seeds shed in the fall.

Landscape Use

No matter how it is used, it will be an accent tree. It is a good selection as a shade tree or for use in groves. I have seen it used as a street tree in more temperate and moist climates, but would not recommend it in the intermountain region.

Points of interest

Unfortunately the European White Birch is highly susceptible to the Bronze Birch Bore and leaf miners. While a healthy tree is normally immune to bores, stressed trees are particularly susceptible.

Notable Cultivars

Dalecarlica The most delicate-looking cultivar of Betula pendula, it has deeply cut leaves that give the tree a very airy look. It is probably the most popular cultivar.


Youngii A dwarf, contorted weeping form. It is a true accent specimen that adds an excellent winter interest with its contorted form.