Asian White Birch

Betula platyphylla

Betulaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated May 27, 2026

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height

30–65 ft

Spread

15-25 ft

Growth Rate

Fast

Site Requirements

Light

Full Sun to Shade

Soil Drainage

Moist

Soil pH

4.5-8.5

Water

Moderate

Drought Tolerance

Low

Hardiness

Zones 3a–8b

Ornamental Interest

Bloom Time

March to April

Fall Color

Yellow

Origin

central and eastern Siberia, Manchuria, Korea and Japan

RustHigh

Uredinial Stage (Summer)

Wood DecayHigh

Wound Infection Window

AphidHigh

Peak Population & Dispersal

Birch leafminerHigh

Adult Emergence

+ 4 more — see full disease and pest lists below

Diseases: Regionally Documented (3)

Multiple genera (Melampsoridium, Thekopsora, Naohidemyces... Rust Symptom category — not a single disease Canker Multiple Basidiomycete fungi cause wood decay in trees Wood Decay

Pests: Regionally Documented (9)

Agrilus anxius Bronze birch borer Fenusa pusilla Birch leafminer Aphidoidea Aphid Lepidosaphes ulmi Oystershell scale Choreutis pariana Apple-and-thorn skeletonizer Prionoxystus robiniae Carpenterworm Hyphantria cunea Fall webworm Symphyta Sawfly Malacosoma spp. Tent caterpillar

Cultivars (1)

'Dakota Pinnacle'

Common name: Dakota Pinnacle Asian White Birch Fargo Asian White Birch; Mature height: 40 ft

Hardy to USDA Zone 3

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.