Betula × 'Crimson Frost'
Crimson Frost Birch

Family:

Betulaceae (Birch Family) 26

Genus:

Betula (Birch) 11

Plant Type:

Tree 556

Growth Forms:

Upright 537

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 490

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 792

Flower Notes:

Brown (Small, greenish-brown catkins; not ornamentally important)

Foliage Notes:

Red-Violet (Reddish-purple summer foliage); Multi-Colored (Leaves can be a combination of reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Small nutlets; not ornamentally important)

Ultimate Height:

25-40 feet

Ultimate Spread:

15-25 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils; especially well adapted to wet soils and does not do well in dry situations

Range:

Cultivated origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves (1.5-3" long) have a truncate base, long tapering apex point, and doubly serrated margins. Axillary tufts are often found in vein axils under leaf. Resinous glands are present on young stems.

Special Characteristics:

Foliage Characteristics 73

Backdrop 25

Specimen 598

Notable Bark 161

Wet Soil Tolerant 101

Additional Information

This hybrid birch is very closely related to Betula platyphylla in form and care, with the exception of its striking red-purple leaves. It is a graceful tree, interesting for its pure white bark that contrasts nicely with the dark foliage. The Crimson Frost Birch is especially well adapted to wet soils, and does not do well in dry situations. Less subject to the borer troubles of B. papyrifera in the Midwest, although still susceptible.