About
Betula utilis subsp. albosinensis is a medium-sized deciduous tree, reaching heights of up to 25 meters, characterized by its conical shape. The bark displays an orange-brown hue and is initially covered with a white coating, which eventually flakes off to expose a creamy layer beneath. The leaves are glossy and dark green, transitioning to yellow as autumn approaches. In spring, alongside the emergence of new leaves, the tree produces yellow-brown catkins that can grow up to 6 centimeters in length.
About the genus
Betula comprises both deciduous trees and shrubs, known for their vibrant autumn foliage and distinctive bark that can be white, pink, or brown and peeling. In spring, male and female catkins emerge separately, preceding or coinciding with leaf growth.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- China
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Will grow in wide range of situations
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to birch borers, leaf-mining sawflies and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus, a tree rust and powdery mildews