Bare root stock available Oct-April or PRE ORDER NOW and reserve British native birch trees are the best choice of trees for planting on wet sites. It is completely hardy throughout Britain and will provide shelter for other species of trees planted nearby. Downy birch is extremely valuable for wildlife because of the large number of insects and mites which are associated with it. The shoots are purplish brown and covered in soft white hairs (unlike silver birch which has rough scratchy twigs). The tough little triangular leaves turn to golden yellow in the autumn. Stems are white, glossy brown and pink, with patches of black developing as they mature. Pruning can be done if required in late summer or early autumn.