Dalecarlian birch

Family: Betulaceae. Native to the Scandinavian Peninsula, cultivated singly throughout the European part of Russia. Grows mixed with other deciduous species. A light-loving microtherm, a mesophyte. Widely cultivated in gardens, often found in the landscaping of European cities.

A handsome tree up to 20 m tall, similar in appearance to the weeping birch, but differing from it by its deeply divided leaves with unevenly serrated margins. Vegetates at the usual times for birches. Winter-hardy. Propagated by budding of a breaking or dormant bud, by grafting with a cutting; seed propagation shows wide segregation of traits.

In the GBS since 1953. Two specimens (4 individuals) were grown from cuttings obtained from the nursery in Zheleznodorozhny (Moscow Region). The trees are 6 m tall, trunk diameter 8 m. Vegetates at the same times as the species. Growth rate moderate. Does not flower. Winter hardiness high. 100% of cuttings root without special treatment. Very ornamental, can be used in landscaping to create decorative groups.

It has an elegant ornamental form (f. gracilis) — with pendulous branches and smaller, more finely divided leaves than the typical form. Used as a solitary specimen in prominent positions of parterres.

Based on materials from the website www.ultradrome.narod.ru