Betula pendula is a medium deciduous tree, typically reaching 15-25 m tall, exceptionally up to 39 m  , with a slender crown of arched branches with drooping branchlets.

Growing Details

Common Name: Silver birch
Genus: Betula
Species: pendula
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Moist, Sandy
Height: 2500cm
Spread: 1000cm

Description

The plain silver or common birch, sometimes called 'the lady of the woods' because of its outstanding elegance, is a great landscape feature, especially in autumn and while still young - older trees can become enormous, but without dominating or shading the garden too much. When planted 60cm (2ft) apart, the trees make a fine hedge, or may be grown 2.4m (8ft) apart as a screen or windbreak, which can be trimmed each winter. Growth is upright, later slightly weeping, especially the young outer stems - trim shoots off the trunk to reveal the attractive bark.