Species Downy Birch
green leaves on grey branches and trunks

Downy Birch

Betula pubescens subsp. pubescens

Downy Birch (Betula pubescens subsp. pubescens) is a deciduous small tree with an attractive and graceful form. Its bark is reddish brown, smooth, and somewhat scaly. The leaves are small and simple oval-shaped with a finely serrated or saw-toothed edge and are a deep glossy green in summer which turn to yellow in the autumn. Its abundant, small, white flowers in the spring give way to its characteristic catkins. The Downy Birch is hardier and disease-resistant than other birch trees, making it an ideal choice for landscaping and garden borders. Its ability to thrive in diverse conditions makes it an excellent addition to any landscape.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Downy Birches should be watered gently but deeply 2-3 times a week. During the summer months when the tree is actively growing, water deeply and more often to keep the soil moist. In winter, reduce irrigation frequency to once a month. While the tree is young, water it once a week until the roots become established. Remember to water at the base of the tree and not overhead.

sunlight

Downy Birch requires full sunlight or partial shade as it grows best in consistently sunny spots. It generally prefers 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but adapts to different conditions. It tolerates some shade but won't develop much of a taproot and will form more multiple trunks and perform poorly in drier soils. Early morning or late afternoon sun might also be ideal for this type of tree.

pruning

Downy Birch should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring, before growth begins. This is the best time to remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches. All pruning should be done with clean, sharp tools to ensure a clean cut. Small branches up to 1/4 inch in diameter should simply be snapped off just above a bud or branch union. Larger branches should be pruned back to the point of origin and also just above a branch union. Try to avoid leaving stubs, since their presence can lead to disease and death of the plant. Additionally, it is best to cut away excess branches in the center of the plant to open it up and allow more airflow. Finishing touches can be made at the time of pruning to give the tree a pleasing shape.