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Moor birch is very susceptible to bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius). It was once used in landscapes, but its high susceptibility to the bronze birch borer has limited its use in more recent years. This species is not recommended for planting anywhere in the Midwest and usually requires removal due to its susceptibility to the borer.

Moor birch is native to Asia and Europe, but was introduced to the United States as an ornamental tree. As an alternative, river birch (Betula nigra) is a good option. Before purchasing or planting, be sure to check for any local or state guidelines on this species, and ensure that this plant is suitable for its habitat by checking its attributes at mortonarb.org or plants.usda.gov.

  • Family (English) Birch
  • Family (botanic) Betulaceae
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Small tree (15-25 feet), Medium tree (25-40 feet)
  • Mature height 20-40 feet
  • Mature width 20-30 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
  • Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Wet sites
  • Season of interest early fall, mid fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Oval, Pyramidal
  • Growth rate Fast
  • Wildlife Game birds, Insect pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
  • Has cultivars Yes

Highly susceptible to the following diseases and pests:

Bronze birch borer

Size:

Moor birch is a small to medium tree, growing 20 to 40 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide.

Native geographic location and habitat:

Native to Europe and Asia.

Bark color and texture:

Bark is fairly smooth and white.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

Simple, alternate leaves are 1 to 3 inches long, dark green, and rhomboid in shape. Leaf margins are double serrated. Fall color is yellow to yellow-green.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size:

Inconspicuous male flowers form in cylindrical catkins. Females also in a cylindrical structure, but much smaller.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

Cylindrical clusters of winged nutlets.

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