Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Betula dauurica 'Maurice Foster'

Asian black birch 'Maurice Foster'

A medium-sized, often multi-stemmed tree to about 12m. Young trunks and branches have white bark peeling off in curls to reveal the reddish-brown underside; on older trees the trunk becomes dark brown and corky. The foliage is broadly oval, toothed and bright green; male catkins are yellow-brown and drooping, female ones green and upright

Synonyms
Betula dahurica 'Maurice Foster'
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Brown Green Green
Summer Yellow Brown Green Green
Autumn Yellow Brown Green Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or by grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • 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

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.