Plant, Tree & Shrub Library

Other Names:  Betula platyphylla

Description:

A wonderful birch tree selection with snowy white bark and good fall color; higher resistance to bronze birch borer. Also available in clump form.

Ornamental Features

Whitespire Birch has dark green deciduous foliage on a tree with a pyramidal habit of growth. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall. The smooth white bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Whitespire Birch is a deciduous tree with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects

Whitespire Birch is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

Whitespire Birch will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.