Betula grossa
Japanese cherry birch
Conical in outline, with reddish-grey bark becoming dark grey with age. The dark green leaves are up to 10cm long and turn golden-yellow in autumn. The shoots are aromatic, and carry long, yellow-brown, male catkins in early spring
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze Grey Silver | Brown Yellow | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Bronze Grey Silver | Green | Brown | |
| Autumn | Bronze Grey Silver | Yellow | ||
| Winter | Bronze Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
This species prefers sheltered, woodland conditions
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a seed bed in autumn or take softwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- 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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