In 2006, Parkland Nurseries in Alberta, Canada, discovered Parkland Pillar birch as a sport of the variety Dakota Pinnacle. It was released to the market after several years of testing, and it is considered a far better plant than Dakota Pinnacle. It is a very resilient tree that was first cultivated by Jeffries Nurseries, which is located close to Winnipeg. It does well in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 3, making it suitable for growers in Minnesota. The Parkland Pillar is significantly more dense, narrow, and upright in habit.
In 1986, scientist Arthur A. Boe visited the Arboretum at North Dakota State University, located close to Absaraka, to collect seed from a Japanese white birch tree. In 1989, Dale E. Herman discovered an unusual and skinny seedling growing, and to evaluate it, it was studied for several years. In 1999, it was patented under the name Fargo after undergoing extensive testing. The patent is no longer valid but the tree is being sold under the University’s trademark, Dakota Pinnacle.
Dakota Pinnacle Birch vs Parkland Pillar Birch Pros and Cons
The Parkland Pillar Japanese White Birch maintains its evergreen foliage to a deep dark green color throughout the year. The sharply pointed, serrated leaves change to brilliant gold in the fall. The fruit and flowers do not possess considerable decorative value. The smooth, white bark is highly decorative and contributes significantly to the winter appeal of the tree. Its delicate texture distinguishes it from landscape plants with coarser foliage.
This low-maintenance tree bleeds sap if cut in late winter or early spring, so it’s best to wait until summer, when the leaves are fully matured, to do any serious pruning. It lacks any significant negative qualities.
The following landscaping uses are recommended for this Parkland Pillar Japanese White Birch:
- Vertical Accent.
- Hedges/Screening.
- Accent.
While the distinctive columnar shape of the Dakota Pinnacle Birch is its most prized landscaping feature. Its foliage is dark green and deciduous. In the fall, the pointed leaves become yellow. The smooth, white bark is very spectacular and contributes a large amount to the visual attraction during the winter months. Its comparatively fine texture also distinguishes it from landscape plants with coarser foliage.
Dakota Pinnacle Birch tree requires a certain amount of care. It is also recommended to prune this tree in the summer after the leaves have fully matured, as pruning it in the late winter or early spring can also cause it to ‘bleed’ sap. It also lacks any significant negative qualities.
Dakota Pinnacle Birch is ideal for the following landscaping projects:
- Vertical Accent.
- Accent.
Dakota Pinnacle Birch vs Parkland Pillar Birch Care
Dakota Pinnacle Birch trees can reach heights of 40 feet and spread 12 feet when fully grown. The average height of its canopy is only 3 feet, making it unsafe to plant beneath overhead power lines. It exhibits a medium rate of growth and, in the ideal scenario, is capable of living for at least 40 years. This tree prefers complete sunlight to partial shade. It is highly adaptable to both arid and wet conditions and does well in the typical home landscape. It does not possess any soil or pH requirements. It tolerates urban pollutants and also thrives in cities.
On the other hand, the mature height of the Parkland Pillar Japanese White Birch is expected to be around 30 feet and it has a spread of 6 feet. It is not recommended to grow this tree next to power lines because of its low canopy, which has a normal clearance of only two feet from the ground. It develops quickly, and under ideal circumstances, it possesses a lifespan of at least forty years. This tree just like Dakota Pinnacle Birch grows most effectively in complete sun to light shade. It is not allowed to dry out and grows best in ordinary to moist circumstances.
Dakota Pinnacle Birch vs Parkland Pillar Birch Problems
The Dakota pinnacle birch is susceptible to infestation by leaf miners, aphids, and other insects, similar to many other species of birch. Birches face a major danger from the bronze birch borer. The Dakota pinnacle birch, unlike most others, resists this insect. Diseases such as dieback and canker are also possible on the Dakota pinnacle birch, but they are much less prevalent than pest infestations.
Parkland Pillar Birch, on the other hand, grows rapidly and is not particularly susceptible to insect damage. But this tree cannot withstand bronze birch borer. Because of this, the gardeners need to place Parkland Pillar in a location where it gets the appropriate level of care, including protection from the intense heat of the afternoon sun, enough consistent soil moisture, and possibly some shade. The greatest strategy to keep the birch borer away from the trees is to avoid stress.
