Bareroot Betula pubescens (Downy Birch)

A resilient deciduous tree with a graceful, upright form and distinctive white bark that develops dark fissures with age, creating beautiful textural contrast. The soft, downy leaves emerge bright green in spring, turning golden yellow in autumn, while the slender branches form an airy canopy that casts gentle shade. More tolerant of wet soils than similar trees, it thrives in damp conditions where others struggle, making it excellent for waterside planting or boggy gardens. The bark remains striking throughout winter, peeling in thin layers to reveal creamy white patches beneath. Adaptable to both exposed and sheltered sites, it grows steadily into an elegant specimen that supports local wildlife while adding structural interest to landscapes. Its natural hardiness and ability to withstand harsh conditions make it particularly valuable for challenging planting schemes.

Family of Trees: Betulaceae

Habit: Deciduous Tree, Upright Form

Growth Rate: 30-50 cm/year

Optimal Temperature: 5-20°C, hardy to -40°C

Harmful if Eaten?: Non-toxic

Flowers or Berries: Catkins, Small Winged Seeds

Hardiness: H7 (Extremely Hardy)

Hardiness ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

○ H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
○ H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
○ H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
○ H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
○ H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
○ H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
○ H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
○ H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
○ H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)