- Botanical name: Betula pendula
- Common name: Silver birch
- Family: Betulaceae
- Plant Type: Tree, Deciduous
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Colourful bark
- Flowers
The plain silver or common birch, Betula pendula, is a fantastic landscape tree, grown for its white bark, spring catkins and pretty yellow autumn foliage. It’s a fantastic choice for wildlife, supporting a wide range of species including moths and birds. It makes a fine hedge, or may be grown as a screen or windbreak. It also works well as a specimen tree in a large garden. It has a graceful, upright habit which gradually becomes weeping with maturity. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Like all birches, Betula pendula thrives in most situations, but for best results grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. It can be grown on its own as a focal point in the garden, or in groups.
How to grow Betula pendula
-
Plant size
25m height
10m spread
-
Aspect
North facing, east facing, south facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Back
- Sun exposure: Full sun, dappled shade, partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist / acidic
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does flower in March |
A
Plant does flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Betula pendula and wildlife
Betula pendula is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, is used for nesting materials, makes a good wildlife hedge, has seeds for birds and is a caterpilar food plant.
Attractive to Bees
Attractive to Beneficial insects
Attractive to Birds
Attractive to Butterflies/Moths
Attractive to Other pollinators
Is Betula pendula poisonous?
Betula pendula has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
