Betula pubescens
downy birch
Slender, narrowly conical deciduous tree to about 20m in height, with peeling white bark that remains white at the base. Ascending branches and smooth downy shoots bearing slightly rounded to diamond-shaped mid-green leaves, with yellow autumn colour, and yellow-brown catkins in early spring
Buy this plant
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 | Brown White | Brown Yellow | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown White | Green | Brown | |
| Autumn | Brown White | Yellow | ||
| Winter | Brown White |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Europe to C Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun or light, dappled shade in moist but well-drained soil, tolerant of poor or wet, acid soils
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.