Betula utilis 'Grayswood Ghost' Betula utilis 'greyswood Ghost'

Betulaceae

Betula utilis 'Grayswood Ghost' Betula utilis 'greyswood Ghost'

'Grayswood Ghost' is a medium to large type of tree often compared to the popular 'Thornwood', seen as its English equivalent. This tree develops a broad oval crown that can grow up to 15 metres tall and about 9 metres in diameter. As with the 'Thornwood', the crown of the 'Grayswood Ghost' has a very regular shape, making it particularly suitable as an avenue tree for wide streets and lanes. The bark is initially dark brown, but changes to an almost white colour after a few years, flaking only slightly. The leaves are a glossy dark green, providing a nice contrast to the white bark. In autumn, the leaves turn to yellow before falling. This tree grows well in semi-open paving, making it suitable for wide streets and avenues as well. It roots shallowly with many fine root hairs in the topsoil.
The original 'Grayswood Ghost' was located at Grayswood Hill, England, and propagation material was collected just before the tree died. In 1985, this material was named 'Grayswood Ghost' and distributed.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2025.
Availability
Specifications
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Height
12 – 15 m
Width
6-10m
Crown
wide oval
Bark and branches
branches brown, bark white, flaking
Leaf
ovoid to oval, 8-12 cm, dark green
Autumn colour
yellow
Flowers
catkins, yellow-green, ? ± 2 cm, ? 10-12 cm, March-April
Fruits
fruit catkins, 2,5-3.5 cm
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
clayed soil, loamy soil, sandy soil, peaty soil, nutrient-poor soil, acid soil, all soil types
Paving
tolerates partial paving
Winter hardiness zone
6 (-23,3 to -17,8 °C)
Wind resistance
good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for butterflies
Application
avenues and broad streets
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
greyswood Hill, Haslemere, England, 1985
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree acid soil clay soil loamy soil nutrient-poor soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates partial paving light-loving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) can withstand wind oval 3rd size, smaller than 6 metres half-open crown green yellowgreen early sprout average growing all species Attractive autumn colour valuable for butterflies non-toxic (usually)
Frequently asked questions
Betula utilis 'Grayswood Ghost'

Betula utilis 'Grayswood Ghost' can eventually reach a height of 12 – 15 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Betula utilis 'Grayswood Ghost' is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 12 – 15 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Betula utilis 'Grayswood Ghost' turn yellow in autumn.

The right time to plant Betula utilis 'Grayswood Ghost' is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Betula utilis 'Grayswood Ghost' with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Betula utilis 'Grayswood Ghost' blooms in march, april.
General

Yes, we deliver to the UK. Delivery costs depend on the region and the total order value. Below, you’ll find all the details.

Delivery charges for private customers are calculated based on your region and are visible during the checkout process. We also offer discounts based on the total value of your order:

  • Orders over £1,000: Receive a 50% discount on delivery costs.
  • Orders over £2,000: Delivery is completely free.

Yes, for trees with a size of 50-60 cm girth or larger, additional delivery charges apply due to the need for specialised transport. These costs will be calculated separately and shared with you after your order is placed. We will contact you to discuss the transport options and costs.

Once you add items to your basket and proceed to the checkout, the system will calculate the delivery charges for your region. If your order qualifies for any discounts, they will automatically be applied.

For any questions or specific delivery requests, feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help arrange the best delivery solution for your order.