Species Horne's Birch

Horne's Birch

Betula x hornei

Horne's Birch (Betula x hornei) is a hybrid species of birches found in North America's temperate and sub-alpine forests. It was named in honor of Canadian botanist Harold Horne. It is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree, reaching heights of up to 40 feet. The horn-shaped, glossy dark green leaves turn yellow to orange in fall. The bark is silvery-gray, with large black horizontal markings. The bark peels on the lower trunk, revealing creamy-white to orange inner bark. It features small, pendulous male catkins and female spikes that produce small triangular winged fruits. Horne's Birch is considered an ornamental tree, perfect for planting in parks and gardens. It is recommended for gardeners who are looking for a unique and eye-catching addition to the landscape.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Dutilly's Birch should be watered on a regular basis. Water deeply enough to moisten the soil to a depth of 8 inches. Water your tree about once a week, more often during hot, dry weather. Allow the top inch or 2 of soil to dry out between watering. During the winter, water only occasionally, when the soil is dry.

sunlight

Dutilly's Birch (Betula x dutillyi) will do best in full sun locations. It enjoys at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. During summer months when the sun is strongest, protection from the afternoon sun may be needed to keep the leaves from scorching. In winter, direct sunlight is less intense and the plant should still get full sun. If the plant is grown in a northern climate, the eventual size of the tree should be considered if it is planted too close to buildings or trees that would block the needed sunshine.

pruning

Dutilly's Birch should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done conservatively, removing only dead, diseased, broken, or crossed branches. Be careful to only prune healthy, green branches when needed to shape the tree and remove dead or interfering branches. Remove branches that rub against each other and those that are growing inward. Pruning should also be done to encourage good air circulation throughout the tree, and to keep it at a height and width suitable for its environment. No more than approximately 1-third of the tree should be pruned at any 1 time.

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.