Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Silver birch
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Silver birch
Betula pendula · European white birch
Elegant white bark and fine weeping branches with small leaves that turn gold in autumn.
Full sun to part shadeLight
Twice weekly in summerWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Afternoon shade in hot areas.
Water
Twice weekly in summer
DryWet
Keep moist.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Prefers cool air.
Temperature
-25–32°C (-13–90°F)
CoolWarm
Struggles in heat.
Growth
Fast
SlowFast
Grows 10–15 m.
Soil
Moist, rich soil
LeanRich
Quality mix with compost.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
Slow-release fertiliser.
Pet safety
Mildly toxic
SafeToxic
Leaves and bark mildly toxic.
About this plant
Native to Europe, silver birch is loved for its white trunks. It prefers cool climates and regular water; plant in groves for impact.
Best spots
Cool-climate gardens, courtyards and large pots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Betula pendula |
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Origin | Europe |
| Plant type | Deciduous tree |
| Mature size | 10–15 m |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Leaves | Gold in autumn |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Autumn colour
Prune
Fertilise
PlantAutumn colourPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Leaf scorch | Too hot or dry. |
| Dieback | Drought stress. |
| Aphids | Hose off. |
| Borers | Keep tree healthy. |
Common questions
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, a large one.
Does it like heat?
No.
Is it pet safe?
Mildly toxic.
How fast does it grow?
Fast.
