Silver Birch

Betula pendula, or as it is more commonly called, Silver Birch, is a plant often used ornamentally in gardens. Its white bark and drooping shoots are often what this plant is grown for. The silver birch is the national tree of Finland.

As a medium sized deciduous tree, its height is typically between 15-25m but can grow up to 40m. The trunk is usually under 40cm in diameter but can be up to 1m. Black diamond shaped marks are usually on this plant with larger black patches typically at its base.

Silver birch is highly susceptible to pests. However, it requires little maintenance and is easy to grow.

A plant to grow in either partial or full sun and in light sand to heavy clay; the pH of the soil it is growing in should be between 5.5 and 8.
Well-drained loam soils, full sun and pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is preferred by this plant. It is a wind tolerant plant that grows fast but is short lived.