Species Kenai Birch
green leaves and light-green stems with grey branches

Kenai Birch

Betula kenaica

The Kenai Birch (Betula kenaica) is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a bushy crown located along the southeastern Alaska coastline. Its pale yellow-white bark adds a touch of brightness and the tree can reach up to 50 feet tall upon maturity. Its deep green foliage, which displays a unique colour in the autumn lasting until spring, forms an attractive oval crown and offers excellent privacy and shade throughout the year. The tree is tolerant of most soil types and can easily withstand extreme cold temperatures and coastal conditions allowing this species to spread naturally. The Kenai Birch also produces abundant, wind pollinated clusters of pendulous catkins adding an additional dimension of beauty and grace. It’s a great addition to any garden and its distinct look will surely draw attention!

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Budding,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Kenai Birches require regular watering in order to maintain their health. For outdoor birch trees, they should be watered 1-2 times a week, depending on the season. In the spring, when the tree is slowly reviving, an additional monthly deep soak should be given. This encourages strong root growth and helps to produce deep and healthy foliage. During the summer, these trees should be watered 1-2 times per week, keeping in mind that if it’s a dry season additional watering may be necessary. In the fall, water the Kenai Birch 1-2 times per month encouraging deep and healthy root growth. Finally, water the trees lightly during the winter months (once or twice a month or as needed) to encourage strong, healthy growth in the Spring.

sunlight

Kenai Birch (Betula kenaica) requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It should be grown in an area with full sun or partial sun. The amount of sunlight needed for this plant species to thrive will depend on the regional climate, as summers in more northern climates may have lighter amounts of sunlight than southern climates. Direct sunlight should be given in the morning and early afternoon as the hours grow lighter leading up to sunset.

pruning

Kenai Birch (Betula kenaica) should be pruned to maintain a more manageable size and shape. Prune during the second half of late winter/early spring before any new growth begins. Pruning during this period will encourage strong young growth and maximize flowering potential. Remove only dead or diseased branches. Make sure to remove any sucker branches emerging from the base of the tree and any crossing branches. Pruning too late in the season can result in reduced flowering. Pay attention to the overall shape and form of the tree, removing any branches that are disproportionately small or large. Limit pruning to ⅓ of the tree’s foliage each season.