Betula alba, commonly known as White Birch or Downy Birth, is the less well known white barked birch native to the UK and Europe. It is grown for it’s attractive dull white bark which peels attractively with age. White birch has downy shoots and small ovate leaves with serrated edges. It produces ornamental catkins in the spring before the leaves begin to emerge. White birch does better on damper soils than silver birch and should therefore be considered as an option on wetter sites. Mature trees form a pyramid shape with a more compact stature than silver birch. An excellent choice for parklands on heavier ground or to create copses with a natural appearance. Mature height 18-20 metres.