Betula nigra Heritage
black birch 'Cully'
Fast-growing, deciduous tree to 18m tall, with a conical habit and shaggy creamy-brown, orange-tinted bark, peeling in layers, ridged on old trees and diamond-shaped, glossy dark green leaves turn golden-yellow in autumn; yellow-brown male catkins to 8cm long in early spring
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Gold Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
Will grow in a wide range of situations
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
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.