Tree · Betulaceae family · with preparation per the EMAornamental and medicinal · also in Medicinal herbs
silver birch
Betula pendula
In short a 10-second read
Silver birch (tree) grows to 12–25 m tall and 6–12 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist. Hardy to −45 °C.
× spread 6–12 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist. Hardy to −45 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, loamy, sandy, gravelly
Soil pH 4.5–8
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 20–50 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove dead, diseased or damaged branches, crossing branches and shoots growing in the wrong direction (September–December).
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −45 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −45 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does silver birch tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does silver birch need?
At maturity 6–12 m wide and 12–25 m tall; recommended spacing 800 cm.
Does silver birch survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −45 °C.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 23 expert sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
Show sources (23)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Betula pendula
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants — Betula pendula
- Van den Berk Nurseries (NL), stromová škôlka — Betula pendula
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Betula pendula
- EPPO Global Database — Betula pendula
- Polleninformation.at Plantcompass — Birch
- aha! Allergiezentrum Schweiz — pollenundallergie.ch
- RHS - Betula pendula
- Missouri Botanical Garden - Betula pendula
- RHS - Bleeding from pruning cuts
- RHS - Mulches and mulching
- EMA/HMPC - Betulae folium (herbal medicine)
- EMA/HMPC - monografia Betulae folium (EMA/HMPC/573241/2014)
- RHS - Shrubs and trees: light pruning
- RHS - Bleeding from pruning cuts
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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Preparation and use · silver birch
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: leaf
For: as an adjunct to flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 2–3 g of dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- Up to 4× a day EMA 4.2
- Fluids
- Drink plenty of fluids while using it EMA 4.2
- How long
- Usually taken for 2–4 weeks. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 2–3 g of dried leaves in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 4
Drink up to 4× a day.
EMA 4.2 - 5
Drink plenty of fluids while using it.
EMA 4.2
part: leaf
Powdered herb from a pharmacy
A ready-made product. The exact method is in the package leaflet.
For: as an adjunct to flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Powdered herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 650 mg EMA 4.2
- How often
- 2× a day EMA 4.2
- Fluids
- Drink plenty of fluids while using it EMA 4.2
- How long
- Usually taken for 2–4 weeks. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Weigh out 650 mg of powder.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Take it 2× a day.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Drink plenty of fluids while using it.
EMA 4.2
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: leaf | 2–3 g of dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | up to 4× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | usually 2–4 weeks EMA 4.2 | Fluids: drink plenty of fluids while using it EMA 4.2 |
| Powdered herbfrom a pharmacypart: leaf | 650 mg EMA 4.2 | 2× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | usually 2–4 weeks EMA 4.2 | Fluids: drink plenty of fluids while using it EMA 4.2 |
| Children under 12: not recommended EMA 4.2 | |||||
How long
Usually taken for 2–4 weeks. EMA 4.2
Who should not use it
- Children under 12: not recommended EMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant EMA 4.3
- If allergic to birch pollen EMA 4.3
- When a doctor advises reduced fluid intake (e.g. severe heart or kidney disease) EMA 4.3
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended) EMA 4.6
Cautions
- If fever, painful urination, spasms or blood in the urine occur, see a doctor. EMA 4.4
- If symptoms persist, see a doctor. EMA 4.2