Common Birch (Betula Pubescens)

€2.00

The Common Birch (Betula pubescens) is a graceful, hardy tree with silvery bark and soft, golden autumn foliage. Ideal for damp or heavy soils, it supports local wildlife and adds natural beauty to gardens, parks, and rewilding projects.

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Description

The Common Birch (Betula pubescens), also known as Downy Birch, is a graceful, deciduous tree that brings delicate beauty and ecological value to a variety of landscapes. Known for its smooth, silvery bark and soft, rounded leaves, this native tree can grow up to 20 meters in height, creating an elegant, airy canopy. Ideal for wetter soils and colder climates, the Common Birch is more tolerant of heavy, poorly drained soils than its close relative, the Silver Birch, making it perfect for boggy areas and naturalistic plantings.

In early spring, the Common Birch produces charming catkins, supporting pollinators, while its fine branches provide shelter for small birds and wildlife. By autumn, its leaves turn a soft, golden yellow, adding a warm glow to any setting. The tree’s shallow roots and rapid growth make it useful for stabilizing soil in reforestation efforts and enhancing biodiversity in woodland areas. Whether planted in parks, gardens, or wild landscapes, the Common Birch is a versatile, resilient tree that supports wildlife and adds year-round interest with its unique, light-catching bark and seasonal foliage.

Additional information

Size

60-90cm when young.
Growth Rate

Moderate to fast-growing, reaching a mature height of 10-25 meters, with a slightly narrower, upright form compared to silver birch.
Hardiness

Very hardy; tolerates cold, wet, and exposed conditions well, thriving in temperate and subarctic climates.
Soil Conditions

Prefers moist, well-drained soils, especially acidic or peaty soils; adapts to a range of soil types, including wet and poor soils.
Seasonality

Deciduous; light green leaves in spring and summer turn golden yellow in autumn before dropping.
Maintenance

Low-maintenance; requires little to no pruning, though occasional shaping may be done to manage growth.
Planting

Ideal for naturalistic and rewilding projects; commonly planted in wetter areas or near bodies of water due to its tolerance for damp soils.
Wildlife Benefits

Supports a diverse array of wildlife, providing nesting and shelter for birds, food for insects, and habitat for fungi and lichens. Catkins attract pollinators, and seeds are valuable for birds.
Companion Planting

Complements other native trees and shrubs such as rowan, willow, and alder, enhancing biodiversity in woodland or riparian settings.
Pest Resistance

Generally resilient but can be susceptible to leaf miners and aphids; monitoring is helpful in maintaining tree health, particularly in young saplings.

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