Appearance

Appearance

Young trunks have smooth white bark with dark horizontal marks. Older trees develop rough, dark cracks near the base, while slender branchlets hang downward.

Growth form

This deciduous tree commonly grows about 30–50 ft (9–15 m) in cultivation, though wild trees can grow taller.

Leaves

The leaves are triangular to diamond-shaped with a long pointed tip and double-toothed edges.

Flowers

Male and female catkins grow on the same tree. The male catkins hang down and lengthen in spring.

Fruit

The tiny dry fruits have a thin wing on each side.

Look-alikes

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• parks
• gardens
• roadsides
• open woodland

Range

It is native across much of Europe and northern Eurasia. In the United States it is planted and has been reported outside cultivation in parts of the Northeast, upper Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Colorado.

Preferred conditions

It grows best in full sun and cool climates with moist, acidic, well-drained soil. It often struggles with summer heat and humidity in the southern United States.

Life cycle

Reproduction

Seedlings establish readily in sunny openings and other recently disturbed ground.

Seed dispersal

Wind carries the lightweight winged fruits away from the tree.

Name and classification

About the name

The East Asian birch may be included as the subspecies Betula pendula subsp. mandshurica or treated as a separate species, Betula platyphylla.

Varieties and forms

Garden selections include the small, strongly weeping 'Youngii' birch.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

LCLeast Concern·Low risk of extinction

Threats

In U.S. landscapes, heat stress and bronze birch borer can shorten the life of planted trees.