Birch Trees (Betula): Graceful Form, Golden Fall Color & Winter Bark Interest

Birches are fast-growing deciduous trees with finely toothed green leaves that turn glowing yellow in autumn. After leaf drop, their delicate limb structure and handsome bark provide winter beauty. All are susceptible to aphids (honeydew drip). Two borer-resistant choices:

River / Red Birch (B. nigra)

• Zones 1–24, 26, 28–43.
• Pyramidal, 50–90 ft. high, 40–60 ft. wide.
• Bark: apricot-pink on young trees, darker with age.
• Glossy green leaves with silvery undersides, 3 in. long.
• Tolerates poor/slow drainage. 'Heritage' has larger, glossier leaves.

Japanese White Birch (B. platyphylla japonica 'Whitespire')

• Zones 2–11, 14–24, 31–41.
• Narrowly pyramidal, heat-tolerant, 30–40 ft. tall, 12–15 ft. wide.
• White bark; 3-in. leaves.