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Betula pendula
European White Birch
| Fast-growing Birch trees are attractive year-round. Their light green foliage turns yellow in fall. Losing their leaves for winter shows off their colorful, peeling bark, thin graceful branches, and hanging cone-like fruit. Young trees have dark-colored bark until their trunks reach 1 inch around. Plant against a darker background or green lawn to highlight pale trunks. Prone to aphids that drip a sticky substance called honeydew, so plant away from patios or car parks. Most thrive in moist sandy or rocky subsoils. Once established, tolerates some heat and dry spells. Prefers winter chill. Water deeply and often, around shallow roots. Prune in winter only after leaves have formed, to prevent sap bleeding. Transplant when dormant. Birch borers and leaf miners are major pests. |
Delicate and lacy, it is grown for its striking white bark, weeping side branches and fine-textured leaves. Prune in summer or fall. Because of pest problems, it does not live long.
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Attributes - Betula pendula
Plant Type: Tree
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 40 ft. to 60 ft.
Width: 40 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Climate: Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Notes: Thrives in Acid Soil. Low Maintenance. Susceptible to Aphids, Beetles.
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Related Plants
Betula nigra, Betula nigra 'Heritage', Betula papyrifera, Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica', Betula pendula 'Youngii', Betula platyphylla japonica, Betula platyphylla japonica 'Whitespire', Betula utilis jacquemontii
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