European White Birch Tree

European White Birch Tree, or Silver Birch, is a wonderful landscape tree with white, flaky bark and a graceful, open-branched weeping pyramidal shape. Native to northern Europe and parts of Asia, the diamond-shaped foliage grows glossy green in the Spring and blooms bright yellow foliage in the fall, creating a beautiful focal point to home yards, zen gardens, or rustic cottage homes. . This tree thrives in a variety of soil types and is also a favorite among wildlife, attracting birds and small animals with its seeds and shelter. With its easy-care nature, unique appearance, and year-round interest, the European White Birch is a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their landscape with a beautiful, low-maintenance tree. Also, Finland's national tree, the Silver Birch is found throughout the country and its distinctive white bark and graceful, slender branches make it an iconic feature of Finland's forests and countryside. Drought-tolerant. Deciduous.

Also Known As: Silver Birch, Warty Birch, European Weeping White Birch, East Asian White Birch, Betula Alba, Downy Birch, Lady Birch, Black Birch, Weeping Birch, Common Birch, Hairy Birch, Green Birch.

Plant Name:	Tree, European White Birch
Latin Name:	Betula pendula
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	10 - 12 Years
Plant Height:	30 - 50 Feet
Spread:	10 - 30 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	2-7
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 30 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel or mix them with damp sand and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F for 4-6 weeks, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 10-30 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 5 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Or, broadcast over a small plot and separate seedlings once plants emerge. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	10-30 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	30 feet

Care During the Season:

European White Birch can thrive as an attractive and resilient landscape tree with care throughout the growing season. In spring, as new leaves emerge, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer to support growth and enhance resilience. Mulching around the base with organic material like wood chips or compost helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Ensure the tree receives adequate watering, especially for young trees, as birches prefer moist but well-draining soil. During summer, continue watering, particularly in hot and dry conditions, since Betula pendula has shallow roots that can dry out quickly. In autumn, reduce watering as temperatures drop, but keep the soil slightly moist before winter dormancy. This is the best time for light pruning, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain a strong structure. Heavy pruning should be avoided in late winter or early spring, as birch trees tend to bleed sap excessively when cut during this time. In winter, mature trees require minimal care, but younger trees may benefit from wind protection and mulching to insulate the roots from extreme cold.