Species Greenland Birch
green leaves on grey branches and trunks

Greenland Birch

Betula pubescens subsp. tortuosa

Greenland Birch (Betula pubescens subsp. tortuosa) is a hardy, small- to medium-sized deciduous tree native to the northern regions of Europe. It has a characteristic slender trunk and smooth grayish-brown bark segments. The bark can be collected and used for medicinal purposes. Its light green oval leaves are slightly hairy beneath, turn yellow in the fall, and drop to the ground. It produces small yellowish-green catkins that turn a reddish-brown in late summer. Greenland birches thrive in somewhat moist soils and areas receiving partial sunlight. They are tolerant to cold and are used in gardens for their ornamental value.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green,white

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Greenland Birch should be watered regularly with well-draining soil. Water your plant once per week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Make sure to water when the top inch of soil is dry. In hot, dry weather, you may need to increase watering to twice a week. During the winter, when plants are dormant and growth slows, water less frequently, only when the soil begins to dry out.

sunlight

Greenland Birch plants require about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. It is best to give them morning sun and afternoon shade if possible in order to avoid sun damage from the hot afternoon sun. They will also benefit from several hours of indirect sunlight throughout the day.

pruning

Greenland Birch should be pruned twice a year, once in the late winter and once shortly after the spring growth flush has passed. The amount of pruning should be relatively light, with the goal being to make sure the plant is not becoming overgrown and densely branched. Aim to remove dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are growing inwards towards the center of the tree. If the tree shape is becoming lopsided, then remove a few branches from the heavier side. Try to maintain the natural shape of the tree and remove no more than 1/4 of its total branches.Prune any branches that cross or rub against each other, as these can cause damage.