Birch (Silver)

Betula pendula

Status

Native.

Distribution

Widespread.

Habitats

Woodland, heathland, scrub, road verges, railway banks. A component of many and light but small dimension timber. Suitable as a woodland fringe and nurse species for general planting semi-natural woodlands in the county in association with oak, particularly on drier and infertile acidic soils.

Requirements

Will grow on most soils, tolerating both very acid and strongly alkaline conditions. Tolerant of dry, exposed and infertile sites. Light demanding.

Recommendations

 A useful pioneer species on difficult sites producing strong throughout the county.

Origins/provenance

Existing populations are largely wild although commonly planted as an ornamental or landscaping tree in recent years. Both pollen and seed carry considerable distances. Use plants of local provenance or FC seed zones 302 & 204.

Notes

Birch hybridises freely and so individual trees found in the field may be intermediate in type, or hybrids, between Silver Birch and Downy Birch.

Further Information

• View interactive map of Local Seed Zones Map