 |
See us at GARDENSCAPE |
 |
|
 |
Last Updated January 06, 2008 All material copywrite protected.
WHITE BIRCH Betula Papyrifera
Also called: NATIVE BIRCH, CANOE BIRCH, PAPER BIRCH
This common native tree is also known as Native Birch, Canoe Birch or Paper Birch. It is valued for its showy white bark in the winter. The birch in the photo are all clumps with 2 stems each. They are available as single stems or clumps range from two to five or more stems with the most common being three stems.
Size: 10m (33ft)
Form: Upright and Oval. Single stem trees tend to be taller and less broad.
Canopy: Tends to be variable. Although the White Birch is an excellent shade tree the canopy is open enough to allow good growth of lawns and other plants underneath.
Foliage: Bright green. Leaves come out early in spring and persist well into the fall.
Fall Colour: Bright shiny yellow.
Bark: The white exfoliating bark is of great ornamental value year round.
Birch trees are well adapted to low moist sites and will not tolerate prolonged drought. They are very tidy shade trees.
White Birch is somewhat susceptible to a leaf miner insect. This insect lays its eggs under the epidermal layer of the leaf and causes brown translucent spots to appear in mid summer. Although this insect is susceptible to pesticides, it is best left to run its course as the pesticide will probably do more harm to the tree than the insect will. The native white birch should not be confused with the European White Birch (Betula pendula). Although it is faster growing, it is not as hardy and much more susceptible to the leaf miner. Unfortunately, these two varieties are very difficult to distinguish--it is very important to deal with a reputable and knowledgeable nursery supplier.