Betula ermanii
gold birch
Vigorous, graceful tree about 20m in height, sometimes multi-stemmed, with peeling pinkish or creamy-white bark on the trunk, papery brown bark on the branches; coarsely toothed, ovate, dark green leaves to 10cm long turn yellow in autumn; yellow-brown male catkins open with the leaves
Other common names
Erman's birchRussian rock birch
Synonyms
Betula ermanii var. japonicaBetula shikokiana
see moreBetula incisa
Betula ermanii var. ganjuesis
Betula ermanii var. ermanii f. ganjuensis
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Genus
Betula can be deciduous trees or shrubs, usually colouring well in autumn and often with striking white, pink, or peeling brown bark; separate male and female catkins open before or with the leaves in spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- NE Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade but tolerant of a range of soil conditions
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to birch borers, leaf-mining sawflies and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus, a tree rust and powdery mildews
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