Betula pendula, commonly called silver birch or European white birch,
is native to Europe and Asia Minor where it typically occurs in wood margins,
heaths, hills and slopes. It has been widely planted in Canada and the northern
U.S. as an ornamental. As is the case with paper birch (B. papyrifera), this
tree is noted for its white bark, which exfoliates in papery strips. It is also
noted for its drooping or pendulous branches, hence the specific epithet.
Mature trees become furrowed and blackish-gray near the bottom of the trunk. It
is a small to medium sized tree that typically grows to 30-40’ (less frequently
to 60’) tall with a pyramidal to oval rounded crown. Ovate, glabrous, toothed,
glossy green leaves (to 2.5” long) have long tapered tips. Tiny monoecious
flowers appear in early spring in separate catkins on the same tree:
yellowish-brown male flowers in drooping catkins (to 2.5” long) and greenish
female flowers in smaller, upright catkins (to 1 1/4” long). Female flowers are
followed by drooping cone-like fruits containing numerous small winged seeds
that typically mature in late summer. European white birch is best grown in
medium to wet, well-drained sandy or rocky loams in full sun to part shade. Garden
Uses. In cool northern climates, the silver birch is an excellent small
landscape tree that displays a graceful drooping form and mixes well with
evergreens.
Growing Instructions
The seeds have a dormancy period. They need a period of chilling which
simulates winter conditions to break their dormancy.
1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours.
2. Fully drain away all of the water and place the seeds in a zip-lock
Fastzer bag.
3. Put the bag in the refrigerator and leave it there for 4-6 weeks. It
is important that during this period the seeds do not dry out or are
waterlogged otherwise the pre-treatment will be ineffective.
4. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half
potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot.
5. Sow the seeds on the soil.
6. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
7. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. The seeds start to
germinate in a few weeks.
8. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
Angel (verified owner) –
So far so good!
Mateo (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Kai (verified owner) –
The seeds had a great germination rate
Edward (verified owner) –
These seeds came right up and started producing squash. Can’t ask for more than that.
Daniel (verified owner) –
Very healthy seeds! Well worth it.