Betula japonica 'White Spire'

White Spire Birch

Betula japonica ‘White Spire’ *(commonly listed as Betula platyphylla ‘Whitespire’**) is a highly regarded ornamental birch valued for its clean, bright white bark, upright pyramidal form, and excellent resistance to bronze birch borer compared to many white-barked birches. It provides strong year-round interest and performs reliably in landscape settings.

Key features
Width / spread: 20–30 ft
Height: 40–50 ft
Bark: Bright white, exfoliating lightly with age
Foliage: Medium green; clear yellow fall color
Form: Upright, pyramidal to oval
Life cycle: Deciduous tree

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun (best growth and bark color)
Soil: Moist, well-drained; adaptable but prefers cooler root zones
Water: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 4a



Zone High: 7b



Landscape use
Specimen tree
Street and park plantings
Lawn and campus settings
Group plantings for bark contrast
Four-season interest landscapes

Notes
One of the best white-barked birches for landscape use
More tolerant of heat and stress than paper birch
Avoid dry, compacted soils for best longevity
Mulch helps keep roots cool and moist
Minimal pruning required

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

40-50'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

4–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Loamy well-drained, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Provide Shade, Specimen

Shape

Clump, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No