Silver Birch / European White Birch / Weeping Birch / Warty Birch
Botanical Name: Betula pendula 'Moss White'
Family: Betulaceae
Origin: Europe & western Asia
Plant Type: Deciduous tree
Overview
Premium silver birch selection prized for its very white, peeling bark, graceful, airy canopy, and gold autumn colour. Catkins appear late winter–spring. Suits specimen and avenue plantings where consistency matters. In Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate, provide reliable summer watering.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 8–15 m H × 4–7 m W (canopy size varies with rootstock/site)
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Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
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Foliage: Fresh mid-green, gold in autumn; light, dappled shade
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Flowers: Male and female catkins in late winter–spring (ornamental; wind-pollinated)
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Seasonal Interest: White bark year-round; spring catkins; gold autumn foliage
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Wildlife Value: Early pollen source for bees; seeds/cover for small birds
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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
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Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 16–25 m² (4–5 m apart), depending on mature canopy
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Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs
Where It Works Best
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Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (afternoon shade helps in hot districts)
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Soil: Deep, moist but well-drained loam or sandy loam
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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
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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
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Lifespan: 20–40+ years (shorter in hot/dry sites without irrigation)
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Climate Zones: Cool–temperate & temperate SA; give extra water in Mediterranean areas
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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, ultra-white bark and light, see-through canopy bring year-round elegance to Adelaide gardens, then explode into rich gold in autumn. A consistent, clonal selection, it gives you a matched, high-end look for specimens or avenues with just a bit of summer TLC.
