Betula pendula  European White Birch

Betulaceae

From Asia and Europe (Scandinavia). Fast growing deciduous tree, not well suited to a Mediterranean climate. Design height is 40', mature height 60'. Simple leaves, alternately arranged. Leaves are medium green, 1 to 2 1/2" long, doubly serrate and ovate. Flowers: catkins, bloom February through April. Fruit: brown winged nutlets, in fall. Prefers full to part sun, high to moderate water. Likes loam, clay and sand. Propagates by seed. Little pruning required (do so when dormant). OK to thin. Uses: accent, screen, specimen, garden tree, grove tree, lawn tree. A Himalayan Birch is better suited to the Bay Area (Betula jacqmontii) - looks similar. Betula pendula leaves are shinier than those of B. jacqmontii. Photos taken at the College of Marin.