Discover the beauty of the Betula populifolia 'Whitespire' or White Spire Birch, highly prized for its tall, upright form, distinctive non-exfoliating white bark, shiny dark green leaves, and stunning yellow autumn hues. Initially classified as a variant of Betula platyphylla var. japonica in 1983, it was later acknowledged as a gray birch.
Native to Southeastern Canada down to Virginia, and extending westward to Illinois, this short-lived, narrow-columnar, deciduous tree thrives in different soil types, both dry and wet. With unique non-peeling chalky white bark, adorned with dark chevron trunk patches under each branch base, this tree stands out in any landscape. The shiny, long-pointed triangular green leaves add to its allure.
Whitespire birch flourishes best in medium to wet, well-drained, sandy or rocky loams under full sun to part shade. It also tolerates poor soils, dryer native grounds, and temperature up to 75 degrees F. Mulching and soaker hoses keep the root zones cool and moist. Prune only in dormant season and avoid spring pruning. Its shallow root system spreads effortlessly through suckers under the optimal conditions. Enjoy the sight of its tiny flowers in the spring and the drooping cone-like fruits filled with tiny winged seeds in the late summer.
