1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK and much of northern Europe.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Small (3–6 cm), oval to round, with a blunt tip and finely toothed margins. Slightly hairy (downy), especially on young shoots, giving the species its name. Arranged alternately.
Bark: Dull white to grey, less bright than Silver Birch, peeling in thin papery sheets; dark fissures at the base in older trees.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Male catkins are long and pendulous, female catkins short and erect; both appear in spring. Female catkins ripen into small, cylindrical seed-bearing cones releasing tiny winged seeds.
Overall shape: Medium-sized tree, more upright than Silver Birch, with a narrower, less drooping crown.
4. Typical Size
10–20 m tall; spread 6–10 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Widespread in the UK, especially in the north and west. Found in wetter, heavier soils than Silver Birch – common in bogs, uplands, heaths, and moorland fringes.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Leaves rounder, smaller, and less triangular than Silver Birch.
Young twigs and leaves downy/hairy.
Bark duller and greyer than the bright white of Silver Birch.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Catkins form and release pollen.
Summer: Light canopy of green, rounded leaves.
Autumn: Leaves turn golden yellow before dropping.
Winter: Bare branches, whitish-grey bark exposed.
8. Human Uses
Timber used for plywood, furniture, tool handles, and firewood.
Sap can be tapped in spring for wine or syrup.
Coppiced historically for poles and fuel.
Bark used in tanning and traditional crafts.
9. Wildlife Value
Supports many insects, including leaf-mining moths and aphids, which in turn support birds.
Seeds eaten by small birds such as redpolls and siskins.
Forms important pioneer stands in wetland and upland ecosystems, helping other species establish.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Seen as a pioneer tree, quickly colonising poor, damp, or disturbed soils where other species struggle.
Its presence often marks wetter sites compared to the more dry-loving Silver Birch.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers moist, acidic, or peaty soils; tolerates heavy clays and boggy ground. Less suited to chalky or alkaline soils.
Light: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Watering: Water well until established; prefers moist conditions long term.
Spacing: 5–10 m apart for woodland planting.
Aftercare: Mulch to conserve moisture. Protect saplings from browsing animals. Minimal pruning, best done late summer to avoid bleeding.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Less commonly planted than Silver Birch but can work in parks and wetland restoration areas. Not ideal for dry, compacted city soils.
Garden: Suitable for larger gardens with damp soils; less ornamental than Silver Birch but good for wildlife.