Birch trees come in many shapes and sizes; there are approximately 30 to 60 taxa of these thin-leaved deciduous hardwoods, which also include alders and hornbeams. Widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, they typically appreciate cold winters and have an attractive fall color.
Mostly, birches are prized for their interesting often shedding bark and delicate foliage, which moves easily in the wind. Birch trees that are healthy can be short-lived, only reaching 40 to 50 years. Some only live 20 years. However, in that short period the tree can be a very ornamental display in smaller landscapes, which makes them worthy of installing.
Most birches prefer the north side of a home where the soil is cool, moist, and protected. Hot sun will dry out the trees. Consistent moisture is important for birches, without standing in water.
Below are three birch tree varieties to consider; River Birch, Paper Birch, and European White Birch.
- River Birch (Betula nigra)
Also known as: Black birch, Birch, Water birch
Plant Description: The River Birch is a water loving tree that is surprisingly versatile and a good substitute for the paper birch. Has a lovely shedding bark. Native growing regions are typically floodplains and swamps, with the tree preferring wet conditions. Functions well in clay soil, wet soil, black walnut toxins, and with urban pollution. Birds love the seed heads, which are winged samaras. One of the most disease-free birches. Although it can grow up to 100 feet, it is primarily a tree that reaches 40 – 70 feet. Tolerates heat, unlike most other birches.
Plant Type: Deciduous tree
Sun/Shade: Full sun to part sun
Cultivation: Grown easily in medium to wet soils that are well-drained. Very adaptable, growing in semi-aquatic conditions and in fairly hot and dry locations, although it will always prefer more water rather than less. It is best to prune during the dormant seasons, but avoid pruning in spring as sap will bleed from the tree at that time.
Height: 40 to 100 feet (12 to 30 meters)
Width: 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 meters)
Bloom: Showy catkins; brown or green
Bloom Time: Late spring
Origin: Central and Eastern United States
Zones: Zone 4, zone 5, zone 6, zone 7, zone 8, zone 9
Wildlife: Birds, small mammals
Landscape Uses: Shade tree, feature tree, cottage gardens, rain garden tree, near lakes and streams, great in small groupings
Special Features: Peeling bark provides strong winter interest. The River Birch is often used for erosion control. Native Americans used the boiled sap as a sweetener, much like maple syrup. Essential oils from the tree have displayed antibacterial properties.
- Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)
Also known as: Canoe birch, white birch
Plant Description: The Paper Birch is a water loving tree that is native to extremely cold climates in Canada and Alaska. It is a fast-growing tree with a lovely ornamental shedding white bark which sheds to reveal an orange-brown trunk. Leaves are glossy and dark green up to 4 inches long. Fall color is a strong yellow shade. Birds love the seed heads, which are winged samaras.
Plant Type: Deciduous tree
Sun/Shade: Full sun to part sun
Cultivation: Grown easily in medium to wet soils that are well-drained. Very adaptable, growing in semi-aquatic conditions and in fairly hot and dry locations, although it will always prefer more water rather than less. Very low maintenance and no pruning required. If you are going to prune, it is best to prune during the dormant seasons, but avoid pruning in spring as sap will bleed from the tree at that time. Deer resistant.
Height: 40 to 70 feet (12 to 21.3 meters)
Width: 25 to 50 feet (7.6 to 15.2 meters)
Bloom: Showy catkins; yellowish-brown or green
Bloom Time: Spring
Origin: North America
Zones: Zone 2, zone 3, zone 4, zone 5, zone 6
Wildlife: Birds, small mammals
Landscape Uses: Shade tree, feature tree, cottage gardens, rain garden tree, near lakes and streams, great in small groupings, city landscapes, traditional or formal gardens
Special Features: Peeling bark provides strong winter interest. The River Birch is a strong alternative for warmer climates where the Paper Birch will not perform as well. Native Americans used the tree for canoe making.
- European White Birch (Betula pendula)
Also known as: Silver birch, Birch, Warty birch, East Asian white birch, Bed wen, Birk tree, Common birch, Lady birch, Lady of the Woods, Weeping birch, Bouleau pendant, Abedul
Plant Description: European White Birch is an excellent small landscape tree for cooler climates, although it is short lived. It has a lovely shedding bark. This tree has a bit of a droopy or weepy shape. Birds love the seed heads, which are winged samaras. One of the most disease-free birches.
Special note – This species is invasive in parts of the northern United States and Alaska.
Plant Type: Deciduous tree
Sun/Shade: Full sun to part sun
Cultivation: Grown easily in medium to wet soils that are well-drained. Very adaptable, growing in semi-aquatic conditions and in fairly hot and dry locations, although it will always prefer more water rather than less. It is best to prune during the dormant seasons, but avoid pruning in spring as sap will bleed from the tree at that time. These shallow-rooted trees require water during dry periods.
Height: 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters)
Width: 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters)
Bloom: Showy catkins; brown (male) or green (female)
Bloom Time: Late spring
Origin: Eurasia
Zones: Zone 2, zone 3, zone 4, zone 5, zone 6
Wildlife: Birds, small mammals
Landscape Uses: City and courtyard tree, feature tree, cottage gardens, rain garden tree, near lakes and streams, great in small groupings, informal garden
Special Features: Peeling white bark provides strong winter interest. This tree is known as a “pioneer species” and can be the first to appear on a fire-swept or bare area of nature. This tree supports many birds, insects, and small animals. The Silver Birch is the national tree of Finland.
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