Betula platyphylla 'Whitespire'

Whitespire Birch

Betula platyphylla ‘Whitespire’ — commonly called Whitespire Birch — is a dependable ornamental birch selected for its clean, bright white bark, upright pyramidal form, and improved resistance to bronze birch borer compared with many white-barked birches. It delivers strong year-round interest and performs well in landscape settings.

Key features
Width / spread: 20–30 ft
Height: 40–50 ft
Bark: Bright white; lightly exfoliating 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
Campus and lawn settings
Group plantings for bark contrast
Four-season interest landscapes

Notes
One of the best white-barked birches for landscape use
More heat tolerant and longer-lived than paper birch in many regions
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, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Clay

Landscape use

Specimen

Shape

Clump, Narrow Upright

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No