Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica' (Dalecarlica European Birch)


Michael's Opinion

While this is a very distinct tree with elegant pendulous branches and leaves, it should not be planted. Instead consider using Betula nigra, since borer and miner seem to ravish the plant.

Botanical Information

FamilyBetulaceae
GenusBetula
Speciespendula
Cultivar'Dalecarlica'
Synonyms Betula pendula 'Laciniata'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone2 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone0a - 7a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-46 - (-12)
Temperature (°F)-50 - 10
Height13 -7 m
Spread7 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA very distinct tree with pendulous branches and leaves. One of the most commonly planted ornamental birch cultivars in North America.
ID CharacteristicA slender tree with white bark and rough warty shoots. Has drooping branches with deeply cut, long, diamond-shaped leaves.
ShapeOval pyramidal with pendulous branching habit.
LandscapeWhile once very popular for front and back gardens, a more suitable alternative such as Betula nigra or Acer griseum is recommended.
CultivationTransplants easily but should be moved in the spring. Needs a lot of moisture but site should be well drained.
PestsBronze birch borer and birch leaf-miner.
Notable SpecimensPort Burwell, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBrownish when young turning to white with age with black fissures. Does not exfoliate as much as Betula nigra.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionImbricate, curved, pointed, brownish black.
Leaf DescriptionLeaf is pendulous up to 7.5 cm long, lobed lanceolate, within .5 cm of the midrib, coarsely toothed with long slender points, the end of the basal lobes curve backward.
Colour DescriptionGlossy green during summer turning to a pale yellow in the autumn.
Texture DescriptionMedium-fine leaf texture, medium bark.

Photographs