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European white birch and Quaking aspen: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.
COMMON CHOICE

European white birch

Betula pendula
NATIVE ALTERNATIVE

Quaking aspen

Populus tremuloides
form
Percita · CC-BY-SA 2.0
Form GO NATIVE
James St. John · CC BY 2.0
Native range
Europe and AsiaSubarctic America to Mexico.See state guides
Sunlight
Full sun to part shadeFull sun
Soil moisture
Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates occasional drynessAverage moisture
Mature height
30–50 ft40–50 ft
Mature spread
10–30 ft20–30 ft
USDA hardiness zones
2–71–6
Season of interest
Spring catkins & ornamental barkSpring
Garden & wildlife value
Foliage can support eastern tiger swallowtail caterpillars.This native tree adds wildlife cover and leaves that shimmer in the breeze.
Growing notes
A deciduous tree; heat and drought stress can increase pest problems.A large tree for cool climates; heat and humidity are poor fits, and roots can form a spreading colony.
Growing information Growing information Native range: Kew Growing guidance: Oregon State

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.