0098-117 | Arboretum

European White Birch 'Weeping'

Catalogue A# 0098-117 H18

GPS 45D 43' 59" N / 108D 37' 21" W

Betula pendula

Family : Betulaceae

Origin: Europe including Britain, High altitudes,N.Asia

Common name: European White Birch, Weeping Birch

Location: Homestead-East side of large Koi Pond

Number in accession: (10) Pond location and Tiger habitat, this specimen is only one left of original plantings

Curator's note: This specimen was saved from understory Dogwood growth in 2018. Pruned and seems healthy.

This 42 inch European white birch provides overall benefits of: $109 every year.

Tree or Plant Type: Tree
       Foliage: Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
       Native Locale: Non-native
       Size Range: Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature Height: 40-50 feet
Mature Width: 20-35 feet
       Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
       Hardiness Zones: Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 , Zone 6, Zone 7
       Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained soil
       Acid Soils: Tolerant
       Alkaline Soils: Tolerant
       Salt Spray: Moderately Tolerant
       Soil Salt: Moderately Tolerant
       Drought Conditions: Intolerant
       Poor Drainage: Tolerant
       Ornamental Interest: Spring blossoms, Attractive bark
       Season of Interest: Early winter, Mid winter, Late winter, Early fall
       Flower Color & Fragrance: Inconspicuous
       Shape or Form: Oval, Pyramidal
       Growth Rate: Moderate
       Transplants Well: Yes
More Information:
Tree & Plant Care
Avoid pruning in spring as birches are bleeders and will lose large quantities of sap.
Disease, pests, and problems
Use of this tree is limited by its susceptibility to bronze birch borer.
Native geographic location and habitat
Native to Europe and Northern Asia.
Bark color and texture
This species has white bark that peels slightly.
On older trees, the trunk becomes black.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
Simple, alternate leaves; 1 to 3 inches long.
Dark green leaves are rhomboid in shape.  Leaf margins are double serrated, leaf tip is long and pointed
Fall color is yellow to yellow-green

CRITIQUE

Due to susceptibility to bronze birch borer (BBB), European white birch is not recommended for planting anywhere in the Midwest and usually requires removal and/or replacement. This tree has an attractive pendulous habit. European white birch was once used extensively in landscapes, but its high susceptibility to the bronze birch borer has limited its use in more recent