Overview
Betula utilis is a bushy deciduous tree in the genus Betula, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 20.0 m tall. Betula utilis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Afghanistan, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, Inner Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Tadzhikistan.
About
Betula utilis, the Himalayan birch or bhojpatra, is a deciduous tree native to the Himalayas, Central Asia, and China, growing at elevations up to 4,500 m (14,800 ft). The Latin specific epithet utilis means "useful", and refers to the many uses of the different parts of the tree.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Betula utilis
About the genus
A birch is a thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree of the genus Betula, in the family Betulaceae, which also includes alders, hazels, and hornbeams. It is closely related to the beech-oak family Fagaceae. The genus Betula contains 30 to 60 known taxa of which 11 are on the IUCN 2011 Red List of Threatened Species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Birch", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Birch
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Betula
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Betula utilis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Deciduous tree
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 20.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Afghanistan, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, Inner Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tadzhikistan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Betula utilis
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings, Grafting
- Pest resistance
- Birch borers, Leaf-mining sawflies, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Tree rust, Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Betula utilis?
Betula utilis prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Betula utilis need?
Betula utilis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Betula utilis grow?
Betula utilis reaches a height of 20.0 m.
Is Betula utilis hardy in the UK?
Betula utilis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Betula utilis?
Seed, Softwood cuttings, Grafting.
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