Silver birch seeds

Silver birch Seeds / Betula pendula - this species has excellent Fall colour. The bark on the trunk is white with black fissures. Larger branches display showy bright white bark. It will cast a light shade and is considered to be a good lawn tree. The tips of the branches turn downward giving the tree a soft and graceful outline. Quite widely grown.

By distilling its bark a pitch is obtained that is used for the production of ointments for skin diseases. With its leaves infusions with diuretic properties are made.

When choosing a location, keep in mind that the European White Birch has a fast growth rate. It grows up to 70 feet in height and 40 feet in spread. It can be planted in zones 2 to 6. Prefers moist, acidic soil that is sandy, loam or clay.

How to start these seeds:

• Scarification: None required;
• Stratification: Cold stratify for 60 days;
• Germination: Requires light for germination, surface sow and keep moist;
• Other: Natural fall, spring or early summer sowing in mulched beds.

Commonly known as silver birch, warty birch, European white birch, or East Asian white birch.