Himalayan birch (Not recommended) | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Birch
Family (botanic) Betulaceae
Tree or plant type Tree
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Non-native
Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet)
Mature height 30-40 feet
Mature width 18-25 feet
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago)
Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances Clay soil, Wet sites
Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, mid fall, late fall
Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
Shape or form Open, Pyramidal
Growth rate Fast
Wildlife Game birds, Insect pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Has cultivars Yes

Native geographic location and habitat:

Himalayan birch is native to China.

Bark color and texture:

The thin bark is variable on this species. It may be very white or more brownish in color.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

Simple, alternate leaves are 2 to 3 inches long. The dark green leaves are oval with double serrated edges. The fall color is yellow.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size:

The male flowers are held in cylindrical catkins. The female flowers are also in a cylindrical structure, but are much smaller. The flowers are inconspicuous.