Betula pendula Youngii Contorted

Young Weeping Birch

Young Weeping Birch (Betula pendula ‘Youngii’) — often called Young’s Weeping Birch — is a distinctive ornamental birch prized for its umbrella-shaped, strongly weeping canopy and bright white bark. Unlike tall weeping birches, ‘Youngii’ is typically grafted on a standard, creating a low, cascading form ideal as a focal point.

Key features
Width / spread: 12–20 ft (broad, cascading canopy)
Height: 10–15 ft (height determined by graft; canopy weeps downward)
Bark: Bright white with dark lenticels
Foliage: Medium green; yellow fall color
Form: Umbrella-shaped, strongly weeping
Life cycle: Deciduous tree

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained; prefers moist, cool soils
Water: Moderate; avoid prolonged drought
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 2b



Zone High: 7a



Landscape use
Specimen tree (best used singly)
Courtyards and small gardens
Accent planting in lawns or near water features
Japanese- or European-style gardens

Notes
Grafted form means final height is set by graft height
Spectacular winter silhouette due to cascading branches
More heat sensitive than river birch
Susceptible to bronze birch borer in warmer regions
Minimal pruning—remove only dead or crossing wood

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

10-15'

Width

12"-20"

Hardiness zones

2–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Clay

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Weeping

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No