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Betula pendula subsp. pendula 'Dalecarlica' ambig.

silver birch 'Dalecarlica'

Large, deciduous tree, rare in cultivation, with branches pendent at the tips and diamond-shaped, deeply cut feathery leaves. Peeling white bark becomes black and roughened at the base with age. Bears yellow-brown catkins in early spring, leaves turn yellow in autumn

Other common names
Swedish birch
Synonyms
Betula 'Dalecarlica'
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Brown Yellow Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green Yellow
Winter White
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Betulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Pendulous weeping
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or light shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed of known wild origin (most cultivar seed will produce hybrids), or by softwood cuttings in summer or grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Pruning group 1

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

Get involved

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