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Betula ermanii

Erman's birch

Vigorous, graceful tree about 20m in height, sometimes multi-stemmed, with peeling pinkish or creamy-white bark on the trunk, papery brown bark on the branches; coarsely toothed, ovate, dark green leaves to 10cm long turn yellow in autumn; yellow-brown male catkins open with the leaves

Other common names
gold birch
Russian rock birch
Synonyms
Betula ermanii var. japonica
Betula shikokiana
see moreBetula incisa
Betula ermanii var. ganjuesis
Betula ermanii var. ermanii f. ganjuensis
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Brown Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Betulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, 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

Plant range
NE Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade but tolerant of a range of soil conditions

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

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

Get involved

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