Not recommended for Sunset zone 37 (stops at 34 and 39).
Sources unanimously warn that the identity of this species is confused in commerce.
Open and pyramidal in youth, rounded and more irregular with age. Largest leaves of any birch, but still casts light shade. Pollen could be allergenic.
Water and fertilize well to minimize stress. Multiple sources claim resistance to bronze birch borer, but Dirr says that the resistance does not live up to the hype.
UFL can't seem to decide whether the branches resist breakage or are susceptible to damage from ice storms. When it does get wounded, it's a poor compartmentalizer of decay.
Sources: Sunset, Stoecklein, UConn, UFL, Cal Poly.
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