Description An elegant and sparsely branched tree with an open and airy crown of dark green deciduous leaves, showing off its amazingly richly coloured trunk and branches to great effect. The peeling outer layers of dusky, burgundy coloured papery bark reveal patchwork strips of under layers, coloured pink and white, covered in a powdery white bloom. Large pendulous catkins appear alongside the leaves in spring as they densely cover the upright branches on young trees. Conical when young, broadening to form a crown in maturity. Easy to grow in any soil type in sun or part shade. Height and spread after 20 – 30 years 12m x 8m.
