Betula pendula Fastigiata - Birch

The Betula pendula 'Fastigiata' is a particularly architectural form of birch, due to its unusual, narrow and almost columnar habit, with ascending branches. Already very elegant with its bright green foliage, it becomes dazzling when it turns yellow at the end of the season. It is perhaps at its best in winter when its bare and fine framework reaches towards the sky, highlighted by a precisely outlined white bark with ink-black accents, creating a unique setting. In the garden, this hardy tree only dislikes chalky soils.

Originating mainly from central Europe and temperate Asia, the Betula pendula (synonymous with verrucosa) is a large tree from the birch family. This light-loving and extremely cold-resistant species, naturally has a pyramidal habit carried by a straight trunk and a generally oval crown, supported by long, almost upright branches. Its annual growth is approximately 35cm (13.8in) in height and 20cm (7.9in) in width.

The 'Fastigiata' cultivar is mainly distinguished by its unusual, narrower habit. It will reach an average height of 12m (39ft 5in) and a spread of 4.50m (14ft 10in). The (sometimes multiple) trunk and main branches are covered with a slightly exfoliating white bark. Over time, on older trunks or branches, it takes on an almost black or dark green colour, a very rough appearance, and deep crevices. The young branches are reddish-brown and dotted with warty pores. The deciduous foliage is composed of triangular leaves 6 to 10cm (2.4 to 3.9in) long, with toothed edges, and fairly dark, glossy green. The leaves turn a beautiful buttery yellow before falling. The insignificant flowers appear in March-April, with yellow-green catkins measuring 1cm (0.4in) in length. The root system of this birch is of the taproot type, producing radiating lateral main roots with a very dense network of small surface-feeding roots.

The Fastigiata birch is a majestic tree, quite fantastic in winter when mature, very hardy and resistant to diseases. It can adapt to any type of soil that is not too dry or chalky and it requires a bright exposure, in full sun or partial shade. It will have the most beautiful effect when planted in isolation, in rows, hedges, or in a group of trees chosen for their foliage or decorative bark, such as Acer griseum or Betula albosinensis. The possibilities for associations are endless, according to the tastes of each gardener: with maples, a Nyssa sylvatica, a sweet gum tree, a Chinese mahogany, or even a white willow.