European white birch G. Lumis	Bark of European white birch G. Lumis	Leaf of European white birch G. Lumis

Scientific Name: Betula pendula

Summary
Foliage: Small glossy-green saw-toothed leaves, yellow fall colour
Bark: White, non-peeling bark that turns black with age
Height: 40 to 50 feet
Spread: 10 to 30 feet
Shape: Oval, often multitrunked
Growth Characteristics: Fast-growing

The tips of the branches turn downward giving the tree a soft and graceful outline. Due to its high susceptibilty to insect problems, it is not recommended as a landscape tree. European Birch is short-lived unless grown in the North with plenty of moisture.

Plant Needs
Zone: 3 to 6
Light: Full to partial sun, protect from hot afternoon sun
Moisture: Needs moist soil
Soil Type: Acid soil

Care
Transplanting should be done in early spring. Fertilize once or twice per year with a specially formulated fertilizer for Birch trees. Water to keep the soil wet or moist a few inches below the surface. Spray with insecticides regularly to control bronze birch borer. This species transplants readily. Do not prune your tree during the growing season. Rather, wait until the end of the growing season in the fall. This is especially important because the bronze birch borer is active during the spring and open pruning wounds are inviting to them.

Problems
Susceptible to birch leafminer and highly susceptible to the lethal bronze birch borer.