Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

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Betula pendula Roth

silver birch (Betulaceae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadNegligible tendencyE
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Betula pendula is abundant in cool-temperate areas throughout the Northern Hemisphere, although often confused with the similarly widespread Betula pubescens.

Dry Sandford (VC22: Berkshire); 2014-11-21

 silver birch / Betula pendula: _Betula pendula_ is abundant in cool-temperate areas throughout the Northern Hemisphere, although often confused with the similarly widespread _Betula pubescens_.

The leaves of Betula pendula have sharper teeth towards the tip and a longer edge without teeth at the base than those of Betula pubescens.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2017-10-16

 silver birch / Betula pendula: The leaves of _Betula pendula_ have sharper teeth towards the tip and a longer edge without teeth at the base than those of _Betula pubescens_.

Birches are wind-pollinated and produce catkins in spring.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2011-04-06

 silver birch / Betula pendula: Birches are wind-pollinated and produce catkins in spring.

The 2-winged seeds (above) and 3-lobed bracts (below) of birches are released in large numbers in early autumn.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2016-09-24

 silver birch / Betula pendula: The 2-winged seeds (above) and 3-lobed bracts (below) of birches are released in large numbers in early autumn.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne