Betula schmidtii
Schmidt's birch
A medium to large tree, to 30 metres, with thickish branches. It is distinguished by its almost black bark , which sheds in thick, small plates rather than peeling, and by its erect female catkins in spring. These show above the gracefully pointed, short stalked leaves
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 | Black | Green Yellow | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black | Green | Brown | |
| Autumn | Black | Yellow | ||
| Winter | Black |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- E & N Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in a wide range of situations
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.