Silver Birch ( Betula pendula ) is a popular, well known tree and for good reason because it really is quite a beauty. The species is native to parts of Britain, Europe, and Asia in the cold and temperate regions. Silver Birch is not suitable for growing in humid, tropical areas.
Betula pendula get the common name silver due to its silvery white bark that makes it stand out from so many other tree species, especially in the winter when the trees have lost their leaves. This tree is popular as an ornamental feature tree in many private gardens but is also suitable for planting in built up industrial areas; because its roots are relatively small, and it copes very well with pollution. The tree is also very low maintenance and wind tolerant.
Other common names are White Birch, European White Birch, Birk Tree, Warty Birch, and the Lady of the Woods.
Check out our page about the Purple Birch Tree.
Growth
Silver birch is fast growing, has a slender silvery-white trunk that is usually under 40 cm’s in diameter and can reach heights between 15-25 metres. The leaves of this tree are triangular in shape with a serrated edge and turn from green to a lemon yellow in autumn, branches are pendula, so droop. The flowers (catkins) can be either male or female, both are found on the same tree; the female catkin is shorter than the male.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Betulaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Temperate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-40 to 38°C / -40 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Suitable for most types of soil but grows best in fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
15-25 metres (50-82 feet)
WIDTH:
3-6 metres (9-19 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous. Fast growing.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium dependent on area, somewhat drought tolerant.
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated. Monoecious – both male and female flowers are found on the same plant.
MATURITY:
10 years
GERMINATION RATES:
48-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-6 weeks post cold stratification.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
3500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes, leaves, sap, twigs, catkins & inner bark. Please note taking sap and inner bark from a tree must be done carefully to avoid permanent damage to the tree’s health.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT BETULA PENDULA (Silver Birch)
In Celtic mythology, the Birch symbolises purification and renewal. Birch sticks were used to herd cattle because it was believed that an infertile cow, would become fertile and would encourage the birth of a healthy calf in an already pregnant; cow – as it was also a symbol of love and fertility.
Finland’s national tree is the Silver Birch.
Silver birch is reputed to be useful in the treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, gout, kidney stones, and respiratory diseases. For these purposes, a decoction of the bark or leaves is generally used. Some further information on medicinal studies.
Betula pendula has strong wood that is used to make furniture, kitchen utensils and even skis and racecourse jumps!
