• Lacewings
  • 16 Feb 2023 2:39 PM
  • State Not Answered
  • Replies 7 replies
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Birches for birds and bugs

The native Betula pendula supports around 300 species of insect so clearly is great for wildlife. Can anyone help me find out if the non-native Betula utilis versions (Himalayan birch) so popular in horticulture is as useful e. g as a food plant for caterpillars etc. 

I'm struggling to find anything definitive and would like to help my garden clients in making informed choices for nature. Thanks!

  • PimperneBloke

    It may be worth trying Butterfly Conservation as they should have food plant specifics for all stages of the lifecycle. I'm afraid I can't link it coz I'm on my phone and technically a bit rubbish  Hope info is of use though.

  • tuwit
    It's a mixed bag.

    Obviously it provides roosting opportunities for birds. Bees are known to partake of the catkins (nectar/pollen).

    I don't think it has any applicability as a larval food source for many insects. It is susceptable to the same 'pest' insects and fungal pathogens.

    www.gardenersworld.com/.../
    www.gardenersworld.com/.../

    N.B. The RHS has less information on wildlife specifics than aunty beeb.
  • ItisaRobbo
    I can't help directly with the Himalayan Birch as I've no experience. I'd agree with PB though and try Butterfly Conservation. I'd also pick up on your last sentence re 'helping garden clients'. I personally would keep to the rule of thumb simplicity of, 'Native species are generally better for wildlife'. Not sure how many Himalayan Birch are grown in this country or whether most planted in gardens are imported. Might be something to factor in???
  • Lacewings

    In reply to PimperneBloke:

    Good call, I hadn't thought of trying that angle. Thanks :)
  • Lacewings

    In reply to tuwit:

    Thank you. In line with my thinking. There are some benefits - better than a cherry Laurel for instance.

    The time for horti sources to include better ecological info is long overdue in my opinion,
  • Lacewings

    In reply to ItisaRobbo:

    Thank you. Yes I encourage the principle that native species are better with respect to trees and shrubs in particular. The cynic in me can't help but think that plants for pollinators (but not for larval food sources or habitats) are popularly promoted (and touted by RHS) as lots of non natives are great for that so it doesn't risk the horti business in the UK.

    Not native Birches like the himalayan are grown in the UK as standard, at least in my local experience.
  • tuwit

    In reply to Lacewings:

    Putting on my Churchill doggy persona - "Oh, yes!"

    (I used to live near to someone who gained a RHS accreditation but was of the opinion that ash trees were 'weeds'. Those 'weeds' are now threatened.)