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Betula utilis (Himalayan Birch)

Himalayan Birch, Betula albosinensis, Betula bhojpattra, Betula albo-sinensis, Chinese Red-Barked Birch

Betula utilis, Himalayan Birch, Betula albosinensis, Betula bhojpattra,Betula albo-sinensis, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, Chinese Red Birch, Red Bark

Betula utilis or albosinensis is an exquisite birch recognizable for its distinctive coppery to orange-red bark, which peels off in thin sheets to reveal a fresh cream-pink surface beneath. This happens on both the trunk and branches. The glossy oval leaves emerge emerald green in spring and turn a beautiful golden yellow in fall before being shed. In spring, tiny male and female flowers appear in long catkins. Vigorous, this deciduous tree captures the attention of those who encounter it.

  • Grows up to 40-70 ft. tall (12-21 m) and 25 ft. wide (8 m).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in medium to wet, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or in borders, cottage gardens, city gardens, and foundation plantings.
  • Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running.
  • May be affected by sawflies, aphids, rust, and leaf spot.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting
  • Native to Western China

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Betulaceae
Genus Betula
Common names Birch
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 40' - 70'
(12.2m - 21.3m)
Spread 20' - 25'
(6.1m - 7.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Betula populifolia (Gray Birch)
Betula nana (Dwarf Birch)
Betula pumila (Bog Birch)
Betula alleghaniensis (Yellow Birch)
Betula lenta (Sweet Birch)
Betula platyphylla (Japanese White Birch)

Recommended Companion Plants

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ (Tatarian Dogwood)
Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite)
Helleborus Winter Jewels ‘Painted Doubles’ (Hellebores)
Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass)
Crocus tommasinianus ‘Ruby Giant’ (Early Crocus)
Galanthus elwesii (Greater Snowdrop)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Small Trees, Big Impact: Maximize Your Garden’s Potential
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
Betula (Birch) – What Is Wrong With My Tree?
Betula (Birch) – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Alternatives to Birch Trees Prone to Borer Attacks
Betula (Birch)
Create a Garden with Great Winter Interest
Which Birch Tree to Choose for my Garden?
Underplanting Birches
Shrubs and Trees with Attractive Winter Bark
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Betulaceae
Genus Betula
Common names Birch
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 40' - 70'
(12.2m - 21.3m)
Spread 20' - 25'
(6.1m - 7.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Betula (Birch)
Guides with
Betula (Birch)
Not sure which Betula (Birch) to pick?
Compare Now

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