Other Names:  Downy Birch, Moor Birch, European White Birch

Group/Class:  Northern Garden Collection

Brand:  Jefferies Nurseries

Description:

This vigorous, multi-stemmed tree develops a rounded, spreading crown over time, and spectacular clean white bark; drought tolerant, and has good resistance to Bronze Birch Borer; an excellent landscape accent tree, with great winter value

Ornamental Features

Winter Splendor® Russian Birch has dark green deciduous foliage on a tree with an oval habit of growth. The fuzzy pointy leaves turn an outstanding gold in the fall. The smooth white bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Winter Splendor® Russian Birch is a multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, 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

Winter Splendor® Russian Birch is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

Winter Splendor® Russian Birch will grow to be about 50 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 70 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 somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.