Silver birch (Betula pendula)

Silver birch

Also known as: European Weeping Birch, Common birch, Warty birch, Lady of the Weeds

The silver birch is native to Europe, Siberia, and China. It can grow between 15 m and 25 m, with a potential to reach 31 m. Its distinct bark is white and eventually becomes flaky. The leaves are pale green during summer and yellow during fall.

Scientific classification

Species

Silver birch (Betula pendula)

Beeches, walnuts, and allied trees

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

9 m to 25 m

Plant Height

4.5 m to 9 m

Spread

Green, Yellow

Leaf Color

6 mm to 1 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green, Brown, Cream

Flower Color

White, Brown, Green, Silver, Red

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Silver birch

Distribution of Silver birch

Distribution Map

Silver birch is widely native across the Northern Hemisphere, growing on woodland edges, slopes, heaths, and hills. It is considered invasive in parts of the UK because its quick growth can reduce an area's conservation value. It has been introduced in the central and eastern US and in southern South America.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Woodland, Heaths

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Silver birch (Betula pendula) is a common sight in parks, gardens, and landscapes with its elegantly drooping branches and fairly narrow crown. This tall tree needs plenty of garden space and is particularly rewarding when a few specimens are grown together to form a shady grove. The tree's catkins give springtime interest and its leaves turn bright shades of yellow in fall. Shade-loving plants that thrive silver birch birches include Japanese spurge and lilyturf.

Symbolism

Rebirth, Protection, Purity, New Beginnings

Interesting Facts

Silver birch is a national tree of Finland since 1988. Silver birch has an important role in the biodiversity of Finland since many conifers live in symbiosis with this tree. It also has an important cultural significance and the winter view of Betula pendula bare branches make a typical view of the Finish landscape.

Name Story

Silver birch||Weeping birch: Any plants from the Betula genus are called birch, and the other part of the name is given differently based on their unique characteristics. For example, this plant has a unique tree bark and drooping branches. So it is called silver birch or weeping birch.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Silver birch, including the following common varieties :

Silver birch 'Youngii'Silver birch 'Laciniata'

Quickly Identify Silver birch

White, exfoliating bark with drooping branches.

Tiny monoecious flowers in drooping and upright catkins.

Drooping cone-like fruit clusters with winged seeds.

Glossy green leaves with fine-toothed margins, changing colors in fall.

Warty brown young twigs transitioning to bright white mature bark.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Silver birch

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from temperate regions, silver birch prefers moderate moisture and can tolerate brief droughts. Watering should occur every 1-2 weeks, supporting its adaptability. Thriving outdoors, silver birch benefits from climates with reliable rainfall during its active growth, reducing the need for additional watering.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, silver birch requires balanced fertilization in spring, switching to high nitrogen during the growing season. Apply every 3-4 weeks from early spring to late summer, while minimizing fertilization in fall and winter. Gently incorporate fertilizer into the topsoil for even distribution without disturbing roots.

Pruning: Silver birch features elegant, drooping branches and white bark. Prune in early spring by removing dead branches, thinning crowded areas, and shaping for aesthetics. Proper pruning improves health, prevents pests, and fosters growth. Use sharp, clean tools for precise cuts to minimize disease risk.

Propagation: Silver birch can be propagated via hardwood cuttings, layering, or sowing seeds in Autumn and Winter. The process has moderate difficulty, with success indicated by new shoots. To enhance success rates, maintain evenly moist soil and ensure sufficient light.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Silver birch

Distribution of Silver birch

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Silver birch

Care Guide for Silver birch

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases