Betula pendula - Silver Birch or Lady of the Woods

Betula pendula is one of Britain’s most common native trees and is also widespread across Europe. It was one of the first trees to regenerate itself in this country after the Ice Age.

It is a medium sized, deciduous tree, growing up to 25m in height. Its branches and stems arch gracefully giving it an elegant appearance, hence the name Lady of the Woods.

Early in spring, catkins will appear closely followed by bright green foliage. The leaves are small and triangular, wide at the base and with double toothed margins. In Autumn they turn a beautiful golden yellow.

The attractive white bark adds to the beauty of this tree and also gives it winter interest. As it ages, the bark develops dark cracks and crevices at the base.

Betula pendula is available from Deepdale Trees as a standard, feathered and multistem plant.

FACT: Uses of Betula pendula:

In Scandinavia, Betula pendula is widely grown for its timber. The pale, smooth, hardwood is used for furniture and plywood.
Large quantities of Birch brushwood are used for racecourse jumps and traditional besom brooms.
Historically, it has been used to tan leather and the sap used to make a medicinal wine