PlantWerkz: Silver Birch Tree

Beautiful Forest of Silver Birch Tree

Common Name: Silver Birch Tree

Scientific Name: Betula pendula

Height: 49–82 ft (15–25 m)

Span: 20–40 ft (6 – 12 m)

Growth Rate: Fast

Sun Tolerance: Full Sun

ABP Index: 3.0 (Aesthetics 3.0, Solidarity 3.0)

Silver Birch Tree, scientific name is Betula pendula, is native to Europe, though in southern Europe it is only found at higher altitudes. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree. Silver Birch generally grows 49–82 ft(15–25 m) in height, with a slender trunk usually under 16 in(40 cm) diameter, but exceptionally to 3.3 ft(1 m) diameter. The tough, waxy bark is purplish-brown in young trees, with horizontal bands of lenticells, but on older trees the smooth papery, peeling bark of the upper part is silver-white, with black diamond-shaped markings, and the base becomes increasingly rough and blackened. The leaves 1.2–2.8 in(3–7 cm) long, triangular with a broad base and pointed tip, and coarsely double-toothed serrated margins. The leaves become yellow in autumn.It blooms greenish-brown flowers in spring. Silver birch are often planted in parks and gardens, grown for its white bark and gracefully drooping shoots. Foresters value the tree for its useful light cover, providing dappled shade which usually enables better trees. It is a useful natural pioneer tree.