European white birch is a softly pyramidal tree when young, becoming more rounded at maturity with graceful arching branches. This high-altitude native of northern Europe and Asia features beautiful white, exfoliating bark and deeply-cut, lacy leaves. Small greenish catkins appear in the spring and are quite eye-catching.
European white birch is tolerant of both wet and dry soils in full sun. This handsome tree has been used extensively in the cool-climate park and landscapes. However, its use is declining due to its high suceptability to bronze birch borer attacks, especially as trees are first stressed and weakened by drought. (info source: learm2grow.com)
Genus - Betula
Species - Pendula Verrucosa Alba
Common name - European White Birch
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 7
Height - 40'-70' / 12 - 21(50) m
Spread - 20'-30' / 6 - 9 m
Plant type - Tree
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Loam, well drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Feature Plant, Screening / Wind Break, Shade Trees, Street Trees
Germination rate - 81%
Bloom season - Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Dark Green / Green
Useful Info | |
Germination | Seeds have an internal dormancy that can be overcome by a moist, chilling period. This treatment is called stratification. Here are the steps to stratify the seeds: 1. Soak the seeds in water overnight 2. Place the seeds in a moist material such as milled sphagnum peat, sterile soil or vermiculite . Fully drain away all of the water and place the seeds in a zip-lock bag. 3. Refrigerate the seeds for 2-3 months at 33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (+2 – +4C). 4. After the seeds are stratified, surface sow in a container filled with a moist, well-drained germination medium. Cover with glass or plastic and keep the container moist, but not soggy. Keep in room temperature. 5. Requires light for germination As soon as the seeds germinate, place them under bright lights or move them to a greenhouse or cold frame. You can sow seeds outdoors in well prepared beds in October or before the winter. Nature will do the job and will germinate in spring. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. |