Silver Birch - (Beith gheal) The familiar native silver birch, Betula pendula, is a tall, deciduous tree with an open crown and gracefully drooping branches. The bark is white, peeling off in papery patches to reveal pale salmon under-bark. Long, brownish-yellow male catkins like lamb’s tails appear in mid-spring; the upright, female flowers are bright green, darkening to deep crimson over summer and releasing tiny winged seeds over winter. The leaves are delicate and heart-shaped, doubly serrated, light green, turning butter-yellow in autumn. An invaluable part of the native ecosystem, host to many insect species and birds, its light canopy allows woodland flowers to flourish beneath. Shallow-rooting – plant away from buildings and paving. Good specimen tree, and lovely for a small grove in a large or medium-sized garden. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Any reasonably well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of Interest: Spring, summer, autumn, winterHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 60ft (18m) after 20 years Spread: 13ft (4m) after 20 years (Often smaller in a garden setting) If you are participating in the ACRES Scheme and want to order native plants, please go to our ACRES PAGE for information on how to order your plants. Please do not order online for the Acres Scheme.
