European White Birch Betula pendula subsp. pendula Fastigiata Joes = 'Jolep 1' (PBR)
![silver birch [Fastigiata Joes]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b6438424d4.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
This plant is a variety of silver birch, which is known for its elegant and ornamental appeal. It has a distinctive growth habit where the branches reach upwards, closely hugging the central trunk, forming a narrow and columnar shape. The bark of the tree is a striking white to silver-gray color that peels, giving it a textured look that stands out in the landscape. The leaves are triangular to diamond-shaped with a pointed tip and a slightly serrated edge, which flutter pleasingly in the breeze. They start as a bright green color when they emerge and can turn to a golden-yellow during the fall, providing an eye-catching display of autumn color. The tree also produces catkins, which are long and pendulous. Male catkins are slim and yellow-brown, dangling gracefully from the branches, while female catkins are smaller and upright. These catkins add a delicate decorative element to the tree in spring. Overall, the appearance of the silver birch cultivar is marked by its refined, upward-reaching branch structure, bright foliage, and distinctive bark. It offers a strong vertical element to gardens and landscapes, and its modest leaf size allows for dappled sunlight to filter through its canopy.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Betulaceae
Synonyms
European White Birch, Silver Birch, Upright Silver Birch, Joe’s Upright Silver Birch
Common names
Betula pendula 'Fastigiata Joes', Betula pendula (Fastigiata Group) 'Jolep 1'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is commonly known as European White Birch. It is not known to have significant toxicity to humans. Generally, the birch tree and its parts are not considered poisonous, and there are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning for humans from ingesting parts of this tree.
To pets
European White Birch is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not commonly associated with poisoning in animals, and there are no specific symptoms tied to the ingestion of its parts by pets such as cats or dogs. However, it is always wise to prevent pets from eating large amounts of any non-food plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
40 feet (12 meters)
Spread
8 feet (2.4 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Fastigiate European White Birch has an elegant, narrow, and upright form that offers a striking vertical accent to landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, which makes it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it a good choice for those looking for an easy-to-maintain tree.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for wildlife such as birds and beneficial insects.
- Seasonal Interest: Features catkins in the spring and yellow foliage in the fall, providing year-round interest in the garden.
- Ornamental Bark: Showcases distinctive white bark that peels and provides visual interest, particularly in the winter.
- Adaptability: Can adapt to a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained.
- Urban Tolerant: It can perform well in urban conditions, tolerating some level of pollution and compacted soils.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood of European White Birch is valued for turning on a lathe and can be crafted into decorative objects and finely detailed wooden articles.
- Instrument Making: Because of its resonant qualities, the wood is also used in the manufacture of musical instruments, such as drums and speakers.
- Birch Sap Wine: The sap of the birch can be fermented to produce a light wine with a unique flavour profile, often enjoyed in small quantities.
- Natural Dyes: The bark and leaves of the European White Birch can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, yielding colors from yellow to light green.
- Food Smoking: Chips or pellets made from birch wood can be used in smokers to impart a distinctive flavor to meats and cheeses.
- Craft Paper: The inner layers of birch bark are sometimes processed to create a durable and distinctive type of craft paper.
- Birch Bark Canoes: Historically, the waterproof and pliable bark of the European White Birch was utilized in the construction of canoes by indigenous peoples.
- Photography Props: The striking form and bark of the European White Birch make it a popular subject and setting for outdoor photography.
- Bonsai: With training and care, the European White Birch can be cultivated as a bonsai tree, showcasing its miniature beauty in private collections and exhibitions.
- Frost-Resistant Gardening: Its ability to withstand cold temperatures makes the European White Birch a natural choice to add winter interest in frost-resistant garden designs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe European White Birch is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe European White Birch is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The white bark of the Silver Birch is often associated with purity and renewal due to its clean and pristine appearance.
- New Beginnings: As one of the first trees to leaf in the spring, the Silver Birch symbolizes new beginnings and the start of a new cycle.
- Adaptability: The Silver Birch can grow in various conditions, symbolizing adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Protection: In some cultures, birch trees were believed to ward off evil spirits, symbolizing protection and safeguarding.
- Healing: Historically, parts of the Silver Birch had been used for medicinal purposes, making it a symbol of healing and nurturing.
- Youth: The tree's graceful form and association with the early stages of the forest ecosystem can symbolize youthfulness and vigor.
WaterThe European White Birch should be watered regularly during its first growing season to help establish a robust root system. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. After establishment, you can reduce the frequency, especially during cooler months or periods of rainfall, although you should still ensure the tree receives about 1 inch of water per week. During droughts or particularly hot weeks, increase watering to twice weekly, supplying 2–3 gallons each time to thoroughly saturate the root zone.
LightEuropean White Birch thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is best situated in a location where the tree will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. A spot with morning sun and some protection from the intense afternoon sun can also be beneficial, particularly in hotter climates.
TemperatureThe European White Birch is quite adaptable but prefers cooler climates. It can survive in temperatures as low as -40°F and as high as 90°F, but the ideal temperature range is between 50°F and 75°F. Extreme heat can be stressful for the tree, so if you're in a warmer region, try to provide some afternoon shade.
PruningEuropean White Birch benefits from pruning to remove any dead or diseased branches, to maintain a desired shape, and to ensure good air circulation within the canopy. The best time for major pruning is during winter dormancy, but you can remove problem branches at any time of year. Perform structural pruning every 3 to 5 years to promote a strong framework, which is crucial for the health and aesthetics of the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEuropean White Birch requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A soil mix combining loam, peat, sand, and some compost works well, helping to maintain moisture without waterlogging. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingEuropean White Birch trees are typically not repotted as they are outdoor landscape trees. They are planted in a permanent location where they can grow to their full size. Thus, repotting is not applicable for this tree.
Humidity & MistingEuropean White Birch thrives best in moderate-to-high humidity levels common in temperate climates. There are no specific humidity requirements; the tree adapts to outdoor conditions where it is planted.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth; requires full sun, space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, moist, well-drained soil, space to grow.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cycleThe European White Birch 'Jolep 1', begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring under favorable soil and temperature conditions. As a seedling, it quickly establishes a root system and a single shoot that will become the trunk. During the sapling stage, it exhibits rapid vertical growth and the development of a narrow, upright crown, characterized by the cultivar 'Fastigiata'. The tree reaches maturity in several years, producing catkins that release pollen and ovules, leading to fertilization and seed production. Its mature phase can last for decades, during which it may experience cycles of leafing, flowering, and dormancy annually. Finally, as the tree senesces, its growth slows and, after a lifespan that could exceed 80 years, it eventually perishes, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: The European White Birch 'Fastigiata Joes', botanically known as Betula pendula subsp. pendula Fastigiata Joes 'Jolep 1' (PBR), is most commonly propagated by grafting. This technique involves taking a scion, which is a young shoot or twig with desirable characteristics, from the 'Fastigiata Joes' and physically joining it to the rootstock of another compatible birch tree. The grafting is usually done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The scion should be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long and have several buds present. It is skillfully attached to a similarly sized cut in the rootstock, and the union is sealed with grafting tape or wax to prevent dehydration and infection. After successful grafting and once the graft union has healed, the new tree will exhibit the growth habit and other desirable traits of the 'Fastigiata Joes' variety.
