European White Birch

Betula pendula

Betulaceae · deciduous tree · introduced

Quick Facts

Height

60 ft

Spread

32 ft

Growth Rate

Fast

Light

Full Sun

Soil

Adaptable

Water

Moderate

Hardiness

Zone Zones 3a–8b

Bloom Time

March to April

Origin

Europe, Asia Minor

Phenological Calendar

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Bloom start BBCH 61	Apr 1-Apr 30	First open flowers visible; flowers brown
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	Apr 15-May 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: brown
Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93	Oct 1-Nov 15	Leaves changing color; fall display beginning
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set

Diseases (3)

Thekopsora minima and Naohidemyces vaccinii Rust

Cytospora spp. (synonyms: Leucostoma, Valsa) Canker

Limb and Wood Decay

Pests (9)

Agrilus anxius Bronze birch borer

Birch leafminer

Cinara occidentalis, Cinara abietis Aphid

Lepidosaphes ulmi Oystershell scale

Apple-and-thorn skeletonizer

Symphyta Sawfly

Malacosoma spp. Tent caterpillar

Cultivars (4)

Filigree Lace

Common name: Filigree European White BirchFiligree European Silver Birch; Mature height: 7 ft

Laciniata

Common name: Cutleaf European White Birch

Purpurea

Common name: Purple European Birch

Youngii

Common name: Young's Weeping Birch; Mature height: 10–12 ft