Whitespire Senior Gray Birch

Betula populiflolia

Overview

In the past, the name 'whitespire' was originally assigned to Betula platyphylla, but this actually an incorrect assigning of names. To avoid any confusion when selling Betula populiflolia, its correct assignment, it is written 'whitespire senior'. The Whitespire Senior Gray Birch can quickly grow to a height of 40 feet when mature. It is commonly grown in parkways and wide medians, making a beautiful addition to these places with its chalky white-gray bark and dark green leaves that turn yellow come fall. It also has winged nutlets that grow in clusters 2-3 inches length. 

Cultivation

The Whitespire Senior Gray Birch prefers full sun, as well as moist, drained soil. It can tolerate alkali and dry conditions but has a rather short life span. One can help to achieve a full life out of the tree though by avoiding pruning, especially in the spring, as they are bleeders. When taking care it is also important to look out for leaf miners, cankers, and cankers in high pH soil. It is resistant to bronze birch borer and tolerant of air pollution.

Biodiversity Sustained

Songbirds, sapsuckers, and gamebirds love this tree, as it is large enough to create a home for them, but too small for mammals and larger birds. This allows for a safehaven for these birds from the elements and other animals.