Sale
Sold out
Columnar deciduous tree with beige-white bark
Betulaceae
Exceptionally hardy columnar white birch for narrow spaces
Parkland Pillar® birch
Betula platyphylla ‘Jefpark’
Parkland Pillar® is an Asian white birch selected in Canada for its upright, exceptionally narrow, densely branched habit. Dark-green foliage turns golden yellow in fall, while beige-white bark remains visible in winter. Allow approximately 9 to 10 m high by 2 to 3 m wide (30 to 33 ft × 7 to 10 ft). Hardy to Zone 2, it tolerates heat, dry periods, and alkaline soil better than many birches but prefers cool, evenly moist roots. Its columnar crown suits accents, privacy screens, boulevards, entrances, and urban allées where a conventional shade tree would become too broad. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly.
5 gallons; 7 gallons; 250 cm
Each store has its own inventory.
Products and available quantities may vary between Brossard and Laval. To check a store’s inventory, please contact us directly.
Even better: visit us in store to discover the full selection available!
- Quantity
- 5 gallons; 7 gallons; 250 cm
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Zone 2
Discover the plant
Common nameParkland Pillar® birch; Parkland Pillar® Asian white birch; columnar birch
FamilyBetulaceae
GenusBetula
Speciesplatyphylla
CultivarJefpark
TypeColumnar deciduous tree with beige-white bark
Botanical nameBetula platyphylla ‘Jefpark’
Parkland Pillar® birch (Betula platyphylla ‘Jefpark’) is a Canadian selection of Asian white birch discovered in Red Deer, Alberta. Its upright, exceptionally narrow, densely branched habit forms an elegant column for sites with limited lateral space. Dark-green foliage turns golden yellow in fall, then drops to reveal beige-white bark that brightens the winter garden. Spring catkins remain secondary to the outline and bark. Depending on conditions and training, allow approximately 9 to 10 m of height by 2 to 3 m of spread (30 to 33 ft × 7 to 10 ft). Canadian breeder information supports its use in Zone 2, making it valuable in cold prairie and northern urban landscapes.
Plant Parkland Pillar® in full sun and cool, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. This selection tolerates heat, dry periods, and alkaline ground better than many birches, yet develops a healthier crown when roots remain cool and evenly moist. Water deeply at planting and through the first seasons, especially during heat waves. Set the root flare at soil level, then apply 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) of mulch without touching the trunk. Avoid compaction, standing water, and bark injury. A maintained mulch layer reduces root stress that can favour bronze birch borer and preserves a more uniform soil temperature.
Use this birch as a vertical accent, narrow screen, entrance allée, boulevard tree, or architectural repetition in an urban yard. Allow approximately 2.5 to 3.5 m (8 to 12 ft) between trunks to retain each tree’s individual form; a tighter screen can require more pruning and irrigation. Prune sparingly, preferably after heavy sap flow has passed, to remove dead, broken, or crossing wood. Watch for top dieback, galleries beneath bark, mined leaves, and aphids. Slow irrigation, an uncompacted root zone, and renewed mulch support vigour, golden fall colour, and the characteristic pale bark. Its narrow crown provides privacy without occupying the width of a conventional shade tree.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
To preserve each tree’s individual form, allow approximately 2.5 to 3.5 m (8 to 12 ft) between trunks. For a more continuous narrow screen, spacing of about 2 to 2.5 m (7 to 8 ft) can work when soil remains cool and every tree receives enough light. Keep at least 2 to 3 m (7 to 10 ft) from walls, wires, and walkways as space permits.
Best planting time
In spring after the soil thaws, or in early fall at least six weeks before persistent frost
Propagation
Licensed tissue culture to preserve the ‘Jefpark’ cultivar faithfully
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral, approximately 5.5 to 7.2; tolerates some alkalinity
Minimum temperature
Approximately -45 °C (-49 °F), Zone 2
Care level
Moderate
Drought tolerance
Yes
Watering
Water deeply after planting and keep the entire root ball evenly moist through the first seasons. Check soil beneath mulch and irrigate when the upper centimetres begin to dry. An established tree tolerates dry periods, but slow irrigation during heat waves keeps roots cool, reduces foliage dieback, and limits stress associated with boring insects. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly.
Soil type
Cool, well-drained sandy, loamy, or light-clay soil is suitable, ideally acidic to neutral. Parkland Pillar® also tolerates alkaline ground and dry periods after establishment, but mulch and consistent moisture better support the crown. Avoid standing water, compaction, fill over the root flare, and surfaces that overheat the root zone. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly.
Fertilization
A spring compost layer and organic mulch are often sufficient. When a soil test identifies a need, apply balanced slow-release fertilizer according to its label before midsummer. Avoid excessive nitrogen and late applications that produce tender growth. Correct watering, drainage, and compaction before fertilizing pale foliage. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly. This attention supports a dense crown, pale bark, and lasting growth.
Moisture
Medium; cool soil without standing water
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the upper crown, bark, and root flare, then remove dead or broken wood. Renew mulch without piling it against the trunk. Catkins appear in spring with or before the leaves. In summer, water slowly during hot periods and watch for mined leaves, aphids, and unusual top dieback. Look for small holes, galleries, or loosened bark that may indicate a borer. Avoid major pruning during heavy sap flow. In fall, enjoy the golden-yellow foliage, water deeply before freeze-up when soil is dry, and stop fertilizing. In winter, protect the young trunk from rodents, shovel impacts, and piles of salt-laden snow. Keep the root zone uncompacted and free of dense turf throughout the year. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly. This attention supports a dense crown, pale bark, and lasting growth. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly. This attention supports a dense crown, pale bark, and lasting growth. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly. This attention supports a dense crown, pale bark, and lasting growth. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly. This attention supports a dense crown, pale bark, and lasting growth. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
At least 75 to 115 L (20 to 30 US gal) for a young tree temporarily
Temporary culture in a large container is possible for a young tree, but planting in the ground better supports its 9 to 10 m (30 to 33 ft) mature height. Choose a stable, well-drained, insulated container of at least 75 to 115 L (20 to 30 US gal). Water regularly, protect the root ball from repeated freezing and thawing, and repot or plant before roots circle severely.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
7 to 8 m (23 to 26 feet)
Width / spread
1.5 m (5 feet)
Flower color
Subtle yellow-brown to greenish catkins
Foliage color
Dark green in summer, golden yellow in fall
Foliage type
Deciduous; simple oval to triangular finely toothed leaves
Growth rate
Moderate to fast
Growth habit
Exceptionally narrow, upright, columnar, and densely branched
Fragrance
No notable ornamental fragrance
Bloom period
Pendant male catkins and shorter female catkins appear in spring with or before the leaves. Their yellow-brown to greenish colour remains subtle; the columnar habit, foliage, and bark are the main attractions. Pollen is carried by wind. Avoid major pruning during heavy sap flow to limit bleeding and preserve the outline. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly.
Fruiting
Female catkins become small pendant cone-like structures containing numerous winged seeds that mature in late summer. Fruit is subtle and not the main attraction. Leave it for small birds or collect debris from paved surfaces. Seedlings do not reproduce the ‘Jefpark’ cultivar’s columnar form faithfully. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly. This attention supports a dense crown, pale bark, and lasting growth.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair Parkland Pillar® with dark spruces or junipers, red-stemmed dogwoods, golden grasses, hostas, ferns, hardy geraniums, or spring bulbs according to available light. Choose plants with limited root competition, keep the root flare clear, and maintain continuous mulch so birch roots remain cool. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly. This attention supports a dense crown, pale bark, and lasting growth. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly.
Plants to avoid
Avoid compaction, overheated roots, standing water, burial of the root flare, trunk injury, and long dry periods during establishment. Prolonged stress can favour bronze birch borer and upper-crown dieback. Also watch for leaf miners, aphids, and foliar diseases. Correct watering and protect the root zone before selecting a targeted treatment. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly. This attention supports a dense crown, pale bark, and lasting growth. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How large does Parkland Pillar® birch become?
Parkland Pillar® generally reaches approximately 9 to 10 m high by 2 to 3 m wide (30 to 33 ft × 7 to 10 ft). Its exceptionally narrow crown consists of densely arranged ascending branches, creating height without occupying the width of a conventional birch. Allow enough room for roots and keep it away from overhead wires. To preserve each column as a distinct tree in an allée, space trunks approximately 2.5 to 3.5 m (8 to 12 ft) apart. Tighter spacing creates a continuous screen but increases competition for water and light and may require more attentive irrigation. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly.
Is Parkland Pillar® birch hardy to Zone 2?
Yes. Canadian breeder information from Jeffries Nurseries identifies Betula platyphylla ‘Jefpark’ as hardy to Zone 2. The selection was discovered in Red Deer, Alberta, and introduced for cold prairie landscapes and urban sites. Strong top hardiness does not protect a container root ball or newly planted tree from drying. Water deeply before freeze-up when fall is dry, keep the root flare exposed, and apply mulch without touching the trunk. Protect young trees from rodents and piles of heavily salted snow. Roots in an above-ground container need substantially more winter protection than roots planted in soil. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly.
What soil and watering suit Parkland Pillar® birch?
Choose cool, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and a full-sun exposure. Parkland Pillar® tolerates some alkalinity, heat, and dry periods after establishment, but its roots remain those of a birch and benefit from consistent moisture. Irrigate slowly enough to moisten the entire root ball through the first seasons, then water during heat waves when the upper soil begins to dry. Apply 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) of mulch without covering the root flare. Avoid standing water, compaction, and dense turf directly around the trunk. Mulch also moderates soil temperature and reduces stress. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly.
How can bronze birch borer risk be reduced?
A vigorous birch better withstands stress associated with boring insects. Keep roots cool with a mulched zone, water deeply during establishment and long hot periods, and avoid compaction and trunk injury. Inspect the upper crown regularly for unusual dieback. Also look for small holes, winding galleries beneath bark, or loosened bark. When these signs appear, obtain a prompt diagnosis so an appropriate response can be selected. Do not apply insecticide automatically; first correct watering and root-zone health, then follow local recommendations. Jeffries Nurseries specifically advises mulch to limit stress and possible birch borer infestation in Parkland Pillar®. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the upper crown, and bark condition regularly.
When and how should Parkland Pillar® birch be pruned?
The columnar form requires little pruning. Remove only dead, broken, diseased, or crossing wood and branches that genuinely obstruct a walkway. Avoid large cuts in early spring during heavy sap flow because they can bleed profusely. Work after leaves have fully expanded or during an appropriate period recommended locally to reduce this issue. Do not shorten the entire column uniformly or remove the central leader without a structural reason. Use clean tools, cut just outside the branch collar, and do not cover the wound with paint. Appropriate placement at planting time eliminates most corrective pruning and preserves the cultivar’s dense upright outline.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Attracts birds
Yes
Supporting wildlife
Catkins and small winged seeds can feed various insects and birds, while the dense crown offers perches and light shelter. Birches also serve as host plants for some caterpillars. Add fruiting shrubs and nectar-rich perennials to diversify resources, and avoid broad-spectrum insecticides when damage remains minor.