Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Betulaceae

Genus:

Betula

Species:

Betula × purpusii

USDA Symbol:

BEPU3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

1500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

apr,may

Bloom Colors:

green, brown

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Fall Color:

yellow

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout from the root crown following fire, though not fire-dependent. Thin bark makes mature trees susceptible to fire damage.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

good drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers cooler climates with ample moisture

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Birch seeds require light for germination. Sow on surface and do not cover. Best germination occurs with cold stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI