Betula Pendula 'Alba'

Silver Birch / European White Birch / Weeping Birch / Warty Birch

Botanical Name: Betula pendula (syn. B. pendula ‘Alba’)
Family: Betulaceae
Origin: Europe & western Asia
Plant Type: Deciduous tree

Overview

An elegant birch prized for its white peeling bark, fine, airy canopy and golden autumn colour. Catkins appear in late winter–spring. Great as a specimen, avenue or light shade tree in cooler SA sites; appreciates reliable summer water in Mediterranean climates.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 8–15 m H × 4–7 m W (canopy size varies with rootstock/site)
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fresh mid-green, yellow in autumn; light, dappled shade
• Flowers: Male and female catkins in late winter–spring (ornamental; wind-pollinated)
  
• Seasonal Interest: White bark year-round; spring catkins; gold autumn foliage
• Wildlife Value: Early pollen source for bees; seeds/cover for small birds
• Tolerance: Not drought-tolerant (needs consistent moisture), moderate heat-tolerant (mulch/irrigate in summer), wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant (sheltered from salt spray); frost hardy
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 16–25 m² (4–5 m apart), depending on mature canopy
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (afternoon shade helps in hot districts)
• Soil: Deep, moist but well-drained loam or sandy loam
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: in SA, deep soak weekly in summer (2–3× in heatwaves); minimal in winter
• Maintenance: Do not hard-prune in late winter/early spring (bleeds sap). If needed, prune mid-summer only. Annual mulch; balanced slow-release feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 20–40+ years (shorter in hot/dry sites without irrigation)
• Climate Zones: Cool–temperate & temperate SA; give extra water in Mediterranean areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Specimen/feature for striking white bark
• Avenue or grouping for woodland feel
• Light canopy over shade-tolerant underplantings (hellebores, liriope, clivias)

Why You Will Love It

That iconic white bark + gold autumn glow and a graceful, see-through canopy—bringing year-round elegance with just a bit of summer TLC.