Betula

( bet - YOO - luh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly known as Birch, this genus of deciduous hardwood trees includes species that need full sun and regular water to perform well in the garden. They will attract birds and butterflies to the landscape and are known for their colorful, papery peeling bark and drooping branches. Birch trees produce panicles and fruit that carry their interest through the dormant, bare season. Grow these trees in stands, groups, or to line driveways or property boundaries. Birch trees are often seen in landscapes planted in groves of just a few trees, for example three or five. Take care when planting these trees in the landscape, as sap can be toxic to pets and be an irritant for sensitive individuals.

Betula Species and Varietals

The genus Betula is a member of the plant family Betulaceae and includes between 30 and 60 species, depending on which authority is cited. The best growing zones for Birch trees vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Betula albo-sinensis (Chinese Red Birch, Northern Chinese Red Birch, White Chinese Birch)
This species is native to China and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 3-11 and 14-24. Individual trees reach to 100 feet tall and 30 feet wide and have pinkish-brown to coppery bark. Leaves are oval. Variety Betula albo-sinensis septentrionalis has orange to orange-brown flaky bark.

Betula alleghaniensis (Betula lutea) (Yellow Birch, Golden Birch, Swamp Birch, Mountain Yellow Birch)
This northeastern American native medium-sized tree that typically reaches between 60 and 80 feet tall at maturity (though they can reach upwards of 100 feet tall). These are long-lived trees, reaching between 150 and 300 years of age before declining. Very similar characteristics to Betula lenta. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.

Betula chinensis (Dwarf Small-Leaf Birch, Manchurian Birch, Chinese Birch, Ussurian Birch)
This species of Birch is native to China, Japan and Korea, and reaches just 16 feet tall on average. Bark is greyish and leaves are green, turning yellow in the fall. The species does well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8.

Betula cordifolia (Mountain White Birch, Heartleaf Paper Birch, Eastern Paper Birch, Heartleaf Birch)
These Birches are native to Eastern Canada and Northeastern United States. Trees typically reach between 50 and 80 feet tall at maturity. Mountain White Birch grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2a-6b.

Betula ermanii (Erman's Birch, Gold Birch, Rock Birch)
This species is highly variable, and is native to China, Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. These trees can reach up to 65 feet tall, but again are variable in form depending on the climate and growing conditions. These trees are widely cultivated outside of their native range as landscape ornamentals. Variety 'Grayswood Hill' (pictured) is a fantastic cultivar.

Betula fruticosa (Dwarf Bog Birch, Arctic Birch, Shrub Birch, East Asian Bog Birch)
These plants are native to central and eastern areas of Europe, and grow along rivers and in forests and swamps. Flowers bloom from July through August. Bark is purple-brown to greyish black. These trees grow best in USDA hardiness zones 2a-6b. This species is considered invasive in some regions of the U.S., including in Kentucky and Massachusetts.

Betula glandulosa (American Dwarf Birch, Resin Birch, Shrub Birch, Bog Birch)
Native to North America, this species of Birch forms a multi-stemmed shrub that reaches between 3.5 and 10 feet tall. Bark is smooth and dark brown. These trees are valued for their usefulness on sloped areas as erosion control plants, and also do very well stabilizing stream banks. Best in USDA hardiness zones 2-6.

Betula gmelinii (Gmelin's Birch, Gmelin's Paper Birch, Gmelinii Birch, Gmelinii White Birch)
This species of Birch is native to the Altai, Siberia, Mongolia, northeastern China, Korea, and Japan, and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2a-6b. This species reaches just 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide in 15 years, making it a great option for groundcover. Cultivar 'Mount Apoi' is a popular choice for gardens.

Betula grossa (Japanese Cherry Birch, Japanese Gray Birch)
This species, native to Japan, grows naturally in mixed woodland areas on hills and sloped areas. These are rarely seen in cultivation, and have beautiful bark striped with red and mahogany tones. Dark green leaves turn gold-yellow in fall. Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8b.

Betula humilis (Shrubby Birch, Arctic Dwarf Birch, Lesser Birch, Dwarf Birch)
This species of Birch is found across Europe and Asia, and forms a multi-stemmed shrub that reaches between 2 and 9 feet tall when mature. These shrubs grow best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. Leaves are stiff and serrated and bark is brown to grey-brown.

Betula kenaica (Kenai Birch, Kenai Paper Birch, Red Birch, Bouleau de Kenai)
These trees can reach up to 39 feet tall when mature, and have reddish-brown bark that may over time become pink flushed or greyish-white. Flowers bloom in late springtime, and the fruits that follow drop off the tree in fall. This species is native to Alaska and other areas of northern North America. These plants have been used to flavor stews thicken soups, make beer, and eaten cooked.

Betula lenta (Sweet Birch, Black Birch, Cherry Birch, Mahogany Birch, Spice Birch)
This species is native to eastern North America and forms a medium-sized deciduous tree that reaches up to 115 feet tall in ideal conditions, heights between 50 and 80 feet are more typically seen, especially in cultivated landscapes. These trees are sometimes misidentified as Cherry trees, hence the common name 'Cherry Birch'. Bark is smooth when young (up 40-50 years old), and then develops splits. It doesn't begin to peel until these trees reach between 130-150 years old.

Betula medwediewii (Transcaucasian Birch, Caucasian Birch, Medwediew's Birch)
This species, native to Turkey, Georgia and Iran, forms a large, spreading shrub or multitrunked small tree that reaches about 15 feet tall in cultivation. Leaves turn yellow before dropping from the plant in fall. Cultivar 'Gold Bark' is a popularly grown ornamental. These shrubs grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5a-9b.

Betula minor (Dwarf White Birch, Alpine Birch, Arctic Birch)
Found in eastern Canada, Maine, New Hampshire, and New York. This species produces small, stiff leaves and reaches up to 9 feet tall when mature. Bark is greyish-brown. These plants are considered rare in some areas of their native range due to habitat loss, and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 2-9.

Betula nana (Dwarf Birch, Swamp Birch, Alpine Birch)
Native to the tundra of the Arctic, this deciduous shrub reaches between 3 and 4 feet tall at maturity. These shrubs grow well in USDA hardiness zones 2-7. Leaf growth begins as snow in the region begins to melt and foliage reddens the following fall. Low tolerance for shade, prefers full sun exposure for compact growth.

Betula neoalaskana (Alaska Birch, Alaska Paper Birch, Resin Birch, Alaska White Birch)
This species does well in cooler climates and is native to Alaska and northern areas in Canada. Trees typically reach between 50 and 65 feet tall, though they can reach up to 82 feet in their native habitat. Bark can vary in color from pure white to reddish, pinkish, or light grey. Alaska Birch grows well in USDA hardiness zones 1a-6a.

Betula nigra (River Birch, Red Birch)
This species is grown in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and is native to eastern North America, growing along the banks of streams and rivers. Individual trees put on growth quickly in their early years and reach 50-90 feet tall and 40-60 feet wide at maturity. These naturally multi-trunked trees can be trained into a singular-trunked tree, tending to fork towards the bottom if left unpruned. Brown to black bark is flaky and curls. Leaves are diamond-shaped are glossy and green above, silvery underneath. Varieties include 'Dura-Heat' (heat-tolerant and borer-resistant), 'Heritage' (with lighter bark than the species, borer-resistant), 'Summer Cascade' (weeping birch, resists borer; reaches 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide).

Betula occidentalis (Water Birch, Red Birch, Western River Birch, Rocky Mountain Birch, Black Birch)
Native to North America, this species reaches about 45 feet tall at maturity, and takes the form of a multitrunked tree or shrub. Bark is dark reddish-brown to black and smooth. Water Birch grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.

Betula papyrifera (Paper Birch, American White Birch, Canoe Birch)
This short-lived Birch species is native to northern areas of North America. Individual trees reach 66 feet tall (in some circumstances up to 130 feet). In their natural habitat, these trees tend to form one trunk, but in gardens they commonly form a multitrunked specimen. In warmer climates, these trees live around 30 years, but in more northern areas with cooler weather, they can live to be 100. They grow best in USDA hardiness zones 2-7.

Betula pendula (European White Birch, Silver Birch, Warty Birch, East Asian White Birch, European Weeping Birch)
This species of Birch grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2-7 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-12 and 14-24. They are native from Europe through Asia Minor and have a delicate appearance. Reaches 30-40 feet tall and half as wide. Bark is white with black clefts when mature, golden when new. Oldest bark is black (especially towards the bottom of the trunk). Leaves are glossy and rich green and the tree has an overall weeping habit. Very sensitive to borers. Considered invasive in certain regions of North America, including Kentucky, Maryland, Washington, and Wisconsin. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Crimson Frost'
This variety has burgundy leaves throughout its leafing season. Somewhat resistant to borers.

'Cunningham's Variety'
With weeping side branches, similar to 'Youngii' and 'Tristis'

'Dentata Viscosa'
A compact tree with a bushy habit and sticky foliage.

'Fastigia'
Upright, columnar tree.

'Filigree Lace'
Dwarf form with finely dissected foliage.

'Gracilis'
Graceful, weeping habit.

'Laciniata' ('Dalecarlica')
(Cutleaf Weeping Birch)
Graceful habit with weeping branches. Will sunburn in hot, dry climates.

'Obelisk'
Upright grower.

'Oycowiensis'
A dwarf, shrubby form of the species.

'Purpurea'
With deep purple foliage that turns bronze-red in fall.

'Purple Rain'
Leaves are purple-burgundy and hold color all summer long.

'Trost's Dwarf'
3 feet tall and wide. It is great for a bonsai subject, in a container, or in rock gardens.

'Tristis'
(Weeping Silver Birch)
Elegant, weeping form with drooping branches

'Youngii'
(Young's Weeping Birch)
Dome-shaped; stake to desired height and branches will hang down. To 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide.

Betula platyphylla (Betula mandshurica) (Japanese White Birch, Asian White Birch, Manchurian Birch)
This species is native to Japan and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-11 and 14-24. It quickly reaches 40-50 feet tall and spreads about half as wide. Bark is white and leaves are glossy green. Variety 'Dakota Pinnacle' is a narrower selection that has a very upright habit. Considered invasive in Kentucky, Maryland, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Betula populifolia (Gray Birch, White Birch, Wire Birch)
This species reaches 30-40 feet tall and 15 feet wide when mature. It does well when grown in USDA hardiness zones 3-7. These trees can be multi-trunked or single-trunked and has a narrow crown. The main cultivar of Betula populifolia is 'Whitespire', which is borer-resistant.

Betula pumila (Dwarf Birch, Bog Birch, Swamp Birch, American Dwarf Birch)
This species is common in a wide expanse of North America, where it inhabits swamps and riparian habitats. These shrubby Birches reach between 3 and 13 feet tall when fully grown, and have reddish-brown to greyish bark. Best in USDA zones 2-6.

Betula utilis (Betula jacquemontii) (Himalayan Birch, Bhojpatra, West Himalayan Birch)
This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 5-8 or Sunset growing zones 3-11 and 14-17 and is native to northern India. It is a narrow tree with strikingly white bark and reaches 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide; eventually reaching 60 feet tall at full maturity. Somewhat resistant to borers. The bark of these trees was used in ancient times as a medium to record Sanskrit texts and scriptures.

Caring for Betula

Take care when planting these trees in the landscape, as sap can be toxic to pets and be an irritant for sensitive individuals. Plant your birch tree in a spot that receives full sun. These trees can tolerate partial shade if necessary, but full sun is best. Ensure that soil is well-draining before planting. These trees prefer soils with a pH of between 5.0 and 6.5 (acidic to neutral). Mulch around the base of the tree after planting to help regulate soil temperature, suppress weed growth, and retain moisture. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk (and never let it touch the trunk). Young or newly installed trees should be watered regularly so that the soil is kept relatively moist (but not waterlogged). Mature trees are relatively water-wise, needing deep waterings during dry spells (especially in the summer and early fall).

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Avoid over-fertilizing Birch trees, as it can harm them. Prune Birch trees as needed; the best time for pruning is in late winter or early springtime, before new growth is pushed out for the year. At this time, remove dead or damaged branches and thin out crowded branches if air circulation needs to be improved. Avoid heavy pruning. These trees have an upright growth habit for the most part, and will not need much in the way of pruning. If

Harvesting Birch Oil or Extract
Birch oil is a product made from the bark of Birch trees, specifically those in the species Betula allaghaniensis (Yellow Birch) and Betula lenta (Sweet Birch). The oil is sometimes called Wintergreen Oil, though the true Wintergreen Oil is extracted from the plant Gaultheria procumbens. In springtime, carefully remove small sections of bark from a mature tree. Avoid taking too much bark from any single tree to prevent damaging it. The inner bark (the cambium layer) is where most of the oil is concentrated. Ends of branches also contain the oil in notable quantities, and can be cut into 1/4-inch pieces. Place the harvested bark and branch pieces in the pot or a distillation apparatus and add water to cover the pieces completely. Bring the pot to a boil, and let the heat naturally separate the oil from the water. Collect and decant the oil. Once separated, store in a dark glass bottle to protect the oil from light and degradation. Store in a cool, dark place.

Take care when manufacturing and storing Wintergreen Oil, as it contains methyl salicylate, which can be quite toxic. Fatal dosage is 7 grams for an adult, and 4.7 grams for a child. Keep the oil out of reach of children and pets.

Propagation

Birch trees can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. Propagating any species of Birch tree is difficult via cutting; seed propagation has a much higher success rate. To propagate your tree, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Birch by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. Regular potting soil is a good medium for Birch propagation via cutting.
In late spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6-8 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip all leaves but the top pair. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about eight weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth on your propagated Birch, you'll know you have roots under the soil surface.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not soggy, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new Birch tree.

Propagating Birch by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. You will also need individual pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds. Birch tree seeds can be harvested when catkins dry and turn brown to dark brown. Seeds are small, and have wings that allow them to float through the air away from the parent tree. Remove catkins from the tree and place them in your paper bag.
Birch tree seeds will need a cold-stratification period in order to germinate. Remove your seeds from the paper bag and place them on the soil surface of a tray filled with well-draining compost. Sprinkle more compost over the top of the seeds, so that they are just covered. Carefully spray down the soil surface, being sure to not dislodge the delicate seeds from their soil coverings. Place the tray in the refrigerator, and leave for six months.
After the six months have passed, place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes a few weeks from the date of sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.