Description Family Betulaceae. Originating from China, Himalayas A small to medium sized, slender, deciduous tree with beautiful and highly prized white peeling bark. This sheds in horizontal bands revealing creamy/pink new bark beneath, becoming pure white. Tidy (or obsessive) gardeners will help this exfoliation along and may even scrub the trunk with soapy water and a brush, or even a pressure washer. This spring clean results in gleaming white bark and may even be worth the effort. Birch trees cast only light, dappled shade enabling other plants to thrive beneath their canopy. Leaves turn a buttery gold in autumn adding further seasonal interest. Lovely as a specimen tree but magnificent when planted in groups. Grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun/part shade. Height and spread after 5 – 6 years 3m x 1.5m Semi mature Height and spread after 12 – 15 years if not pruned 6m x 4m Potential mature size after 20 – 25 years 12m x 8m
