Betula pendula (European white birch): Ecology
	Habitat: Although this species will tolerate wet or dry soils, it grows best in moist, well-drained, sandy or loamy, soils. It is hardy from zone 2 to 7, and is a medium to fast-grower. Diseases: Leaf miner and bronze birch borer are the most serious insect pests. The latter destroys the ornamental appeal of the tree, killing branches and even trunks by feeding on the inner bark. Trees grown outside their native habitats are usually more stressed, becoming more susceptible to pests and diseases. The European white birch is not as susceptible to bronze birch borer as is our native paper birch (B. papyrifera).	Distribution: Native to Europe (including Britain) and the high altitudes of northern Asia, this birch also ranges north beyond the Arctic circle. It is cultivated in Iowa for its attractive bark and graceful, pendulous habit.