Downy Birch

Betula pubescens

Betulaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated May 27, 2026

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height

30– 65 ft

Spread

32 ft

Growth Rate

Fast

Site Requirements

Light

Full Sun to Part Shade

Soil Drainage

Wet Tolerant

Soil pH

4.5-8.5

Water

High

Drought Tolerance

Moderate

Hardiness

Zones 2a–8b

Ornamental Interest

Fall Color

Yellow

Origin

extends from Iceland, the UK and Spain eastwards across

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

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.