Betula lenta
sweet birch
A conical tree, to 15m tall, with dark-red bark that becomes dark-grey with age. Aromatic shoots produce yellow-green leaves, to 10cm long, that turn yellow in autumn. Yellow-brown male catkins, to 8cm long, appear 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–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Grey Silver | Brown Yellow | Green Yellow | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Grey Silver | Green Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Red Grey Silver | Yellow | Brown | |
| Winter | Red Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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
- E N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerant of a range of soil conditions from dry to wet but does prefer sheltered woodland conditions. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pruning group 1; birches bleed heavily, prune only when fully dormant from late summer to before mid-winter
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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