Betula pendula – Common silver birch, European birch

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Betulaceae

Betula pendula – Common silver birch, European birch

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Native to almost entire Europe, where it is used as an important timber producer. In nature specimen of 30 m high can be found. These have an upright habit and are sometimes multiple-stemmed. The oval crown is loose and half-open and the spreading branches have clearly pendulous and thin twigs. The trunk is white and is slightly flaking. Mature trunks become coarse at the base with deep fissures and turn dark to nearly black green. Twigs are red brown and have wart-like lenticels. The variably formed leaf has a double-serrated margin. Colouring in autumn from yellow to yellow brown. Hillocks, soil compaction and changing water tables have a negative influence on the health of this birch. The tree is shallow-rooting. It does not withstand coastal winds well.
Good news: the vast majority of our range is immediately available from container stock. A few varieties that are only available as field-grown trees will be delivered from November 2026 onwards. We will let you know in advance per order which trees will arrive when.
Availability
Clear stem (5) Multi-stem (15) Topiary (4)
Size
Root ball size
Price
Amount
Delivery period
£ 1.976,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Limited stock
£ 3.175,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Available
450/500H,200/300W
£ 444,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Available
500/600h, multistem with raised stems
£ 628,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Limited stock
500/600H,200/300W
£ 473,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Available
600/700h, multistem with raised stems
£ 769,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Available
600/700H,200/300W
£ 589,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Available
700/800h, multistem with raised stems
£ 1.052,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Available
700/800H,200/300W
£ 789,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Available
900/1000H,300/400W
£ 1.602,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Limited stock
900/1000H,500/600W
£ 2.181,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Limited stock
1000/1200H meerstammig opgeknipt
£ 1.955,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Available
1000/1200H,300/400B
£ 1.828,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Limited stock
1000/1200H,400/500B
£ 1.905,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Limited stock
1200/1400H,500/600W
£ 2.420,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Available
Size
Root ball size
Price
Amount
Delivery period
40-45 pollarded
£ 1.243,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Limited stock
45-50 pollarded
£ 1.579,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Limited stock
50-60 pollarded
£ 1.905,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Limited stock
60-70 pollarded
£ 2.297,00
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Root ball size
Packaging
Wire rootballed
Delivery period
Available to order now Delivery date per species
Stock
Available
Specifications
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Height
15 - 20 (30) m, fast growing
Crown
irregularly oval to oblong , half-open crown
Bark and branches
white, slightly flaking, later deeply furrowed at the base
Leaf
ovate to rhomboid, fresh green, 3 - 6 cm
Autumn colour
yellow
Flowers
catkins, yellow green, ♀ erect and ± 1 cm, ♂ 3 - 8 cm, April
Fruits
pendulous fruit catkins, circa 2 - 4 cm
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
loose soils, requires little moisture
Soil moisture
suitable for dry soil
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
2 (-45,5 to -40,1 °C)
Wind resistance
moderate to good, no sea wind
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6)
Fauna tree
valuable for butterflies
Application
parks, tree containers, cemeteries, roof gardens, large gardens, windbreaks
Shape
clearstem tree, feathered tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
Europe, Asia Minor
Synonyms
Betula verrucosa, Betula alba
Clear stem tree feathered tree Multi-stem tree acid soil clay soil loamy soil nutrient-poor soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates no paving light-loving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for dry soil oval 1st size , taller than 12 metres half-open crown green yellowgreen early sprout fast growing all species Attractive autumn colour valuable for butterflies non-toxic (usually)
Applications and inspiration
Trees that can tolerate drought
Clear stem, branched or multi-stem tree?
Related projects
SQP (South Quay Plaza ) - London
Athletes Village - East Village
Delta Psychiatric Hospital - Rhoon
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Frequently asked questions
Betula pendula

Betula pendula can eventually reach a height of 15 - 20 (30) m, fast growing, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Betula pendula is fast growing and can eventually reach a height of 15 - 20 (30) m, fast growing, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Betula pendula turn yellow in autumn.

The right time to plant Betula pendula is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Betula pendula with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Betula pendula blooms in april.
General