Thinking about planting a birch tree in your yard?
You’ve got plenty of options—more than 60 kinds, in fact! Birch trees come in all shapes and sizes, usually in the small-to-medium range, and grow best in cooler climates across the Northern Hemisphere. Depending on the variety, mature birch trees can shoot up to anywhere from 25 to 70 feet tall, offering plenty of shade for your yard.
Birch trees belong to the Betula genus and are part of the Betulaceae family. Some grow like shrubs, others form clumps of trunks, and some grow in that classic single-tree shape. They’re popular in landscaping thanks to their elegant look—but heads up, they don’t live as long as many other hardwood trees. Plus, they’re a bit prone to bugs and disease. Most birches live between 40 and 90 years, though a few hardy types can stick around for over a century.
Here are 12 popular birch tree types you might want to plant—plus where they grow best in the U.S. and beyond.
Birch Tree Basics: What to Know Before You Plant
Most birches stand out with their light-colored bark, papery layers, and horizontal stripes.
They love sunlight and moist soil, but be careful about planting too close to your house—the roots can wander toward water pipes. That said, don’t let this scare you off. Birch trees are fast growers and can really level up your yard’s vibe. Just keep in mind: their pollen can stir up allergies in spring.
They’re also more likely to attract bugs like the bronze birch borer if they’re already damaged or stressed. Keeping your birch healthy and pruned goes a long way toward keeping pests away.
12 Popular Birch Tree Varieties
Paper Birch
Native to Alaska, Canada, and the northern U.S., paper birch (Betula papyrifera) is known for its iconic white bark and golden fall leaves. It can grow with one trunk or a small cluster of them.
The bark peels like paper—hence the name—and has been used for everything from shoes to canoes. Birds and animals love snacking on its buds and bark. It’s also more resistant to bronze birch borers than most.
Zones: 2–7
Size: 45–100 ft
Light: Full sun to light shade
Soil: Moist, sandy, or loamy
Bog Birch
Betula pumila is more of a big shrub than a tree, perfect for soggy spots. It’s native to North America and stands up well to wet soil, clay, and even road salt. Great for planting near water or in rain gardens.
Also called swamp birch, dwarf birch, or resin birch.
Zones: 2–9
Size: 5–10 ft
Light: Full sun
Soil: Moist; tolerates alkaline or clay
River Birch
Betula nigra grows fast and loves heat—one of the few birches that do. It’s from the eastern U.S. and works well as a single tree or multi-trunk cluster.
Its bark has a unique pinkish-brown color that peels to reveal lighter tones, giving it year-round visual appeal. It also has good resistance to borers.
Zones: 4–9
Size: 40–70 ft
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, not alkaline
Sweet Birch
Also called cherry birch or black birch (Betula lenta), this tall tree has shiny bark and gorgeous fall color. Snap a twig, and you’ll get a whiff of wintergreen. It’s even used to make birch beer!
It’s a favorite for butterflies and holds up well against pests.
Zones: 3–8
Size: 40–70 ft
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, acidic, well-drained loam
Dwarf Birch
As the name suggests, Betula nana stays tiny—perfect for cold, tundra-like regions. It grows low to the ground, doesn’t like shade, and thrives in nutrient-poor soil.
Found in Greenland, northern Europe, and cold parts of North America.
Zones: 1–8
Size: 6 in. to 3 ft
Light: Full sun
Soil: Moist, rocky, acidic
Silver Birch
This European native (Betula pendula) is famous for its white bark and graceful, drooping branches. It starts out pyramidal and matures into a rounder shape.
Looks great, but it’s vulnerable to borers, so plant with care.
Zones: 2–7 (shorter life in 8–9)
Size: 40–80 ft
Light: Full sun
Soil: Medium to wet, sandy, well-drained
Himalayan Birch
Betula utilis var. jacquemontii has stunning white bark and pretty spring blooms. It grows in a pyramid shape and shows brilliant yellow leaves in fall.
It’s not very pest-resistant in warmer zones, so best for cooler climates.
Zones: 4–7
Size: 30–50 ft
Light: Full sun to light shade
Soil: Moist, loamy, sandy, or clay
Japanese White Birch
Betula platyphylla ‘Japonica’ is native to Japan, Korea, and Manchuria. It has crisp white bark and light, graceful branches. It likes cooler areas and needs moist soil.
Watch out in warmer zones—borers can be a problem.
Zones: 3–8
Size: 40–50 ft
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, sandy, or rocky loam
Weeping Birch
These are specialty varieties of the silver birch that have drooping branches and a graceful look. Names to look for include:
‘Carelica’ (Curly Birch)
‘Gracilis’ (Cutleaf Weeping Birch)
‘Golden Cloud’
‘Purpurea’
‘Dalecarlica’ or ‘Laciniata’ (Swedish Birch)
‘Tristis’
‘Youngii’
Water Birch
Found along mountain streams in the western U.S., Betula occidentalis doesn’t have peeling bark—it’s smooth and dark.
It’s a favorite of beavers and grows in thick clumps. Also called western or red birch.
Zones: 3–7
Size: Up to 40 ft
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Wet, soggy
Yellow Birch
Betula alleghaniensis can live a long time—150 to even 300 years! It has bronze-yellow bark that peels in strips and is important for lumber and wildlife.
Native to the Northeast, this one’s a classic.
Zones: 3–7
Size: 50–80 ft
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Fertile, sandy, well-drained
Gray Birch
Betula populifolia is a smaller, fast-growing birch that does well in tough conditions. It’s found mostly in cooler regions and turns a lovely yellow in fall.
It often grows in multi-trunk form and handles poor soil like a champ.
Zones: 3–6
Size: 20–40 ft
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Very adaptable, well-drained