Betula Pubescens - Downy Birch Trees

Betula Pubescens Common White Birch Trees
Betula Pubescens also known as the Common White Birch or Downy Birch, is a resilient, highly-decorative variety. The excellent foliage and the pronounced white bark are all the more distinctive in these mature trees we offer  (from 2.5 M tall) making this tree ideally suited to be grown as a focal point.

While Betula Pubescens is similar to the Silver Birch Betula Pendula, it has less of a drooping habit, and displays hairy, downy young shoots, and has more rounded leaves. The diamond-shaped foliage is medium green until autumn when it turns to vibrant yellow shades. In early spring, the tree produces yellow-brown catkins. As with many birch trees the ornamental bark is white and with Betula Pubescens the bark is white from top to the base and is generally less paper-like.

This Common White Birch species is noted for its ability to thrive on various soils, especially in damp locations. Waterlogged, heavy, poor, or clay soils will not affect the Downy Birch, as it adapts successfully to most conditions. Grow it in full sun to dappled shade, and moist but well-drained soil for optimal performance. Suitable for both sheltered and exposed location, since it does not mind strong winds. When planted en masse, Common White Birch can serve as an excellent windbreak.

Naturally occurring in Northern Europe and Central Asia, Betula Pubescens is native to the British Isles. Fully hardy, this deciduous tree will survive even if the temperatures drop to 20 degrees below zero. Easy to maintain, these specimens does not require extensive pruning to stay in shape. Just remove any dead, damaged or congested shoots to keep the plant healthy and neat. Pruning should be done in late summer to early autumn to avoid bleeding. Long-lived, with a fast growth rate (in ideal conditions), the downy  birch tree is expected to grow over 12 metres in height and 4 to 8 metres in width, in a period over 20 years.

The Betula Pubescens specimens we offer are trained as both multi-stemmed trees and full standard single stem trees. The lovely foliage and the bright, peeling bark can be better appreciated in such form, and make these downy birch trees ideal as a specimen trees. Suitable for mass planting, this attractive tree can be used in mixed shrub borders or as a windbreak.

Make sure to take a look at our selection of deciduous trees, as well as other Betula varieties we offer, including Canoe Birch, Silver Birch Snow Queen or the striking Purple Birch Tree.