Himalayan birch and Silver birch are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Betula utilis 6 m × 3 m after 10 years
A medium-sized birch with an airy crown, grown for its peeling, chalk-white bark (nurseries mostly sell the whitest-barked variety, jacquemontii):…
Betula pendula 8 m × 4 m after 10 years
An airy, fast-growing native tree with a loose crown, bright white bark and drooping twigs that looks good in winter too and turns yellow in autumn.…
Silver birch grows faster than Himalayan birch.
Silver birch is hardier: down to -45 °C, against -29 °C for Himalayan birch.
|
Feature
|
Himalayan birch
|
Silver birch
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 6 m × 3 m | 8 m × 4 m |
| Ultimate size | 9–20 m × 5.5–10 m | 15–25 m × 6–12 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Acidic, Sandy, Clay | Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -45 °C (USDA 2, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | April–May, yellow, green | March–April, yellow, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 400 cm | 500 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €30 | approx. €25 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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