BETULA pendula

A popular ornamental upright medium sized deciduous tree with silvery white bark and graceful a habit. Grows to a height of 15-20 m in its native range it is often smaller in cultivation.

In mid-summer the female catkins mature and the male catkins expand to release pollen. Pollination is achieved by wind. Mature seed catkins persist on the tree after the leaves fall until they disintegrate and release the seed.

Indigenous to Europe and Asia Minor.

Prefers a cool deep well-drained soil in an open sunny position, frost resistant but drought tender.