Species Utah Birch
yellow leaves with brown branches and gray-white trunks

Utah Birch

Betula x utahensis

Utah Birch (Betula x utahensis) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree species native to the western United States. It is a hybrid of two other species: the pink-barked Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) and the water-loving Cut-Leaved Birch (Betula occidentalis). Its bark is a glistening white color with distinctive diamond-shaped flakes that are highlighted by black, horizontal markings. Its foliage is an attractive, bright green. Utah Birch is popularly used as an ornamental due to its rapid growth and attractive appearance. It prefers full sun and moist, sandy soils and is tolerant of aeration, making it ideal for areas with dry and/or windy climates.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,brown

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Utah Birch plants should be watered every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the season. During the warmer, dry times of the year, the plant will need more frequent watering, while during the cooler, wet months, the plant can go longer between waterings. When watering Utah Birch plants, water deeply and slowly so that the roots have time to absorb the moisture. Make sure not to give it too much water, as this can cause root rot. If you are planting them in well-draining soil, it should only need to be watered every 3 weeks or so. Depending on the conditions of your environment, you may need to water more or less. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and if in doubt, check if the soil is dry when sticking your finger or a probe into the soil.

sunlight

Utah Birch typically requires full sun for optimal growth, which is 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. For best results, it is best to provide 6 or more hours of morning sun and allow the plant to be shaded in the late afternoon. If the Utah Birch is in a location with less sun, it may not produce the desired size or form of leaves or flowers. Generally, the more light available, the better.

pruning

Utah Birch should be pruned annually. The best time of year to do so is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. To prune the Utah Birch, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and selectively prune other branches as needed to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant. Be sure to make clean cuts just outside a branch collar. Pruning Utah Birches regularly will promote abundant flowering and may help to avoid or reduce birch borer infestation.