Betula costata ambig.
Majestic deciduous tree about 30m tall having a straight smooth trunk, with pale orange-brown or creamy-pink bark when young, aging to rough greyish-brown. Slender, pointed dark green leaves on downy shoots emerge early in the season with the long, yellow-brown male catkins
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Betula can be deciduous trees or shrubs, usually colouring well in autumn and often with striking white, pink, or peeling brown bark; separate male and female catkins open before or with the leaves in spring
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light, dappled shade. Sensitive to drought and early frosts as the leaves emerge. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to birch borers, leaf-mining sawflies and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus, a tree rust and powdery mildews
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