Avalanche™ Birch

Avalanche™ Birch is an upright, broad-oval tree grown for its smooth bark, which matures from creamy tan and pink tones to exfoliating white, and for golden autumn foliage. The cultivar name is Betula × ‘Avalzam’; [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/betula/avalanche-birch-betula-x) and a [nursery selection sheet](https://www.lakecountynursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Betula-x-%E2%80%98Avalzam%E2%80%99-Avalanche-%C2%AE-.pdf) describe a tall specimen birch with green summer leaves and yellow fall color. ## Landscape use Give this large birch room to develop as a specimen or plant it in a loose grouping for bark and seasonal structure. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/betula/avalanche-birch-betula-x) lists a mature height near 15.2 m and spread around 9.1–12.2 m; the [nursery selection sheet](https://www.lakecountynursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Betula-x-%E2%80%98Avalzam%E2%80%99-Avalanche-%C2%AE-.pdf) gives 50 feet in height and 30–40 feet in spread. Proven Winners lists USDA zones 4–7. ## Siting and soil Plant in full sun or part shade in soil that drains well. Birches generally perform best where roots do not dry out for long periods, so keep new plantings watered while they establish and use mulch to moderate soil moisture. Allow space around the crown and avoid compacted, hot, dry sites. ## Seasonal interest New bark begins creamy tan and may show pink before becoming white and exfoliating with age. Green foliage turns yellow-gold in fall. Small catkins appear in spring; the tree is grown chiefly for its bark, form and seasonal foliage. ## Maintenance This cultivar naturally maintains a multistemmed form and requires little routine pruning. Remove damaged or crossing branches during the dormant season if needed, and avoid heavy pruning while sap is flowing in late winter or spring.