Betula pendula is a medium sized deciduous tree well known for its slender branches and sparse crown that let sunshine through in winter and light shade in summer. This exotic tree generally reaches a mature height of 8 -12m when growing conditions are ideal. Silver birch is native to Europe where it is normally found growing on high altitudes.

The bark is smooth in young trees and becomes rugged at the base with tree maturity. Leaves of this tree are simple, alternate, broadly ovate and sometimes diamond or wedge shaped. When Autumn approaches, the foliage of Betula pendula turns golden yellow in striking contrast to the silvery white bark of the tree. Yellow flowers in the form of catkins are produced during early spring. The wind-pollinated blooms are followed by small, winged seeds borne during late summer.

This tree is decorative and will add aesthetic value to the garden during all four seasons. In gardens, Silver birch trees are normally planted in groups, relatively close together to form a thicket. This tree is fully hardy to frost and snow and is not suited for very hot dry regions. It is medicinal; leaves, bark and oil extracted from the bark are used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Although it can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, Silver birch does not grow well in shallow alkaline grounds.