Content Detail

White Satin™ birch is a Chicagoland Grows® introduction. It provides beautiful white bark and good resistance to the bronze birch borer (BBB).  This hybrid offers dark green leaves that turn a nice yellow fall color.

  • Family (English) Birch
  • Family (botanic) Betulaceae
  • Planting site Residential and parks
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet), Large tree (more than 40 feet)
  • Mature height 35-45 feet
  • Mature width 25-35 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, early fall, mid fall, late fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Pyramidal, Upright
  • Growth rate Fast
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Wildlife Birds, Browsers, Cavity-nesting birds, Insect pollinators, Sapsuckers, Small mammals
  • Has cultivars NA

More Information

Native Geographic Location and Habitat  

White Satin™ birch is of hybrid origin.

Bark Description

This species has a satin white bark that is slightly peeling.

Leaf Description

The simple, alternate leaves are dark green and ovoid to slightly triangular-shaped. The margins are double serrated. It has a good yellow fall color.

Flower Description

The flowers are Inconspicuous. The male flowers are held in cylindrical catkins. The female flowers are much smaller.

Fruit Description

The cylindrical clusters of winged nutlets are borne at the ends of the branches.

Care Knowledge

Plant Care

White Satin™ birch does best in full sun and well drained soil. Avoid pruning birches in spring as they are considered bleeders (they will lose quantities of sap).

Pests, Diseases, and Tolerances  

Leaf miners and cankers can be a problem on this tree. It has good resistance to bronze birch borer.

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