Betula lenta
Sweet birch, Cherry birch, Round-leaf birch, Black birch
- Height × spread
- 16m × 8m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A rather delicate tree with a straight trunk that often has near-black bark though may be grey or even purple. The bark peels in paper strips. It develops quite a broad crown with green leaves that turn yellow, albeit briefly, in the autumn. The leaves are thin and said to have a 'papery' quality. It is likely to reach around 16 metres in the UK. There are slim dangling male catkins and short upright female ones in spring. It grows naturally in moist woods in the eastern USA including parts of the Appalachians where it can stand 20 metres high. This is an aromatic tree which gives off the scent of wintergreen if its shoots are crushed. The young bark is sweet tasting and can be used to make birch tea. It can also be a component of root beer. It is described as being a 'colonising species'.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 16m
- Spread
- 8m
- Height in 10 years
- 8m
- Spread in 10 years
- 4m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
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