Betula utilis var. jacquemontii (Himalayan Birch)

Native to the Himalayas, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii (Himalayan Birch), which is prized for its brilliant and exceptionally white bark, is a lovely addition to the landscape. While young trees have a rich brown bark, it quickly changes to gleaming snow-white as the tree matures. Vigorous and fast-growing, this medium-sized deciduous tree has an open pyramidal habit with graceful and delicate branching. It bears alternately arranged, ovate, dark green leaves, which turn bright yellow in fall before they shed for the winter. In spring, tiny yellowish-brown male flowers appear in drooping catkins, while greenish female flowers appear in upright catkins. The female flowers give way to drooping cone-like fruits containing numerous small, winged seeds.

A very rewarding tree that is not only good-looking but also provides interest year around. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most popular birch trees. Planted en masse, it is difficult to beat for drama. Exceptionally hardy, Himalayan Birch performs best in cool northern climates where root zones are often covered with snow in the winter and does poorly in the heat and humid areas.

• Grows up to 30-40 ft. tall (9-12 m) and 20-25 ft. wide (6-7.5 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, including sand or clay, but needs consistent moisture. Use soaker hoses and bark mulches to keep the root zones cool and moist.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or in borders, cottage 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 the Himalayas