Betula pubescens

Features and care

Betula pubescens, known as downy birch, is a deciduous tree with a relatively narrow silhouette and ascending branches. Its light bark and delicate foliage add interest to cool-climate gardens, tree groups, and compositions near wetlands.

The leaves are oval or rhomboid, with serrated edges and fine hairs on young tissues and parts of the underside. In autumn they turn from green to yellow. The bark varies from yellowish-white to gray to light brown, and in spring it produces catkins that give rise to small fruiting structures.

It has a medium growth rate and reaches an adult height of 10 to 20 meters. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, in moist soil, and tolerates peaty conditions. It requires frequent and deep watering, with a very high demand, but cannot tolerate prolonged periods of oxygen deprivation. It is very tolerant of humidity and resistant to frost in USDA zones 2–7.

At Ornacom we cultivate each specimen directly, guaranteeing a balanced size and abundant flowering from the first years of planting.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so that any visitor can understand at a glance whether the plant is suitable for their climate and garden.

Crop

Exposure

Full sun or partial shade

Irrigation

ORN-RIEGO 5/5 · very high — frequent and deep delivery; adjust to avoid prolonged hypoxia

Soil / moisture

Moist; tolerates peaty soils

Bloom

Discreet

Climate

USDA Hardiness

Zones 2 – 7

Compatible climates

Cfb, Cfc, Dfb, Dfc

Tolerance to humid climate

ORN-HUM 5/5 · very high

Maintenance

Development

ORN-ALT 5/5 · 10–20 m · medium growth

Pests

ORN-PLAGA 3/5 · medium — sucking/boring insects and foliar or root fungi; monitor for water stress

Pass

ORN-FEEDING 2/5 · low — prioritize soil and organic matter; fertilize in spring only according to analysis and vigor

  • Warning

Suitable for cool climates; suffers from prolonged heat and drought.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so that any visitor can understand at a glance whether the plant is suitable for their climate and garden.

Crop

Exposure

Full sun or partial shade

Irrigation

ORN-RIEGO 5/5 · very high — frequent and deep delivery; adjust to avoid prolonged hypoxia

Soil / moisture

Moist; tolerates peaty soils

Bloom

Discreet

Climate

USDA Hardiness

Zones 2 – 7

Compatible climates

Cfb, Cfc, Dfb, Dfc

Tolerance to humid climate

ORN-HUM 5/5 · very high

Maintenance

Development

ORN-ALT 5/5 · 10–20 m · medium growth

Pests

ORN-PLAGA 3/5 · medium — sucking/boring insects and foliar or root fungi; monitor for water stress

Pass

ORN-FEEDING 2/5 · low — prioritize soil and organic matter; fertilize in spring only according to analysis and vigor

  • Warning

Suitable for cool climates; suffers from prolonged heat and drought.

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