European White Birch Betula pendula Betulaceae
 
 
lager photos european white birch
 
Classification european white birch
Height: 5 - 25 m
Leaf: alternate, pointed
Bloom: April – May, male catkins conspicuously yellow
Fruit: winged nuts
Branches: thin, hanging
Bark: white with black grooves
Root: flat roots
Location: sun to half-shade
Soil: sandy to loamy, dry - moist
ph-value: acidic to alkalescent
Diseases:

european white birch
witches besom (Taphrina spec.)
Witches besom are highly branched out sprout systems that emerge from proventitious or adventitious buds. They are caused by a sac fungi. In extreme cases, this can hinder the tree growth.
 
Leaf necrosis (Marssonina betulae)
Small black spots that grow together to form larger spots. Solitary outbreaks are not dangerous for the tree.
Leaf necrosis (Asteroma microspermum)
Large light-brown spots on the leaves. Solitary outbreaks are not dangerous for the tree.
Canker (Nectria galligena)
Fungi that leads to the breaking off of bark. Affected twigs and branches should be removed and burned. If the trunk is affected, then an expert should be called to remove canker.
birch true bug
They occur often in large amounts in birch trees. They are pesky, but not dangerous for the tree. A chemical treatment is controversial .
Wood excrescence – Cause is unknown.
 
Gall midge (Aceria rudis rudis)
Leaf deformation caused by a gall midge. Not dangerous for the tree.
   
  Fungi
Daedalea unicolor
Poria obliqua