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Woody > Betula > Betula albosinensis > Betula albosinensis

Betula albosinensis


Chinese Paper Birch




Origin:  Western China.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

Among the most beautiful of all birches, this little known species is underused in the landscape. It has exquisite bark that few other trees can compete with. The concern is the pests, but with adequate moisture during summer droughts the tree can provide many years of enjoyment.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Betulaceae
Genus
Betula
Species
albosinensis
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (deciduous)
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 6
Canadian Hardiness Zone
1a - 5b
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7
Temperature (°C)
-40 - (-14)
Temperature (°F)
-40 - 0
Height
20 m
Spread
5 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
May
General Description
A common tree, grown for its clear white bark. It is now somewhat problematic in the Ontario landscape due to drought, birch borer and birch minor, still however a good tree.
Landscape
As an accent or specimen plant.
Cultivation
Easy to grow where summer moisture is sufficient. Short lived (50 years).
Shape
Rounded.
Growth
Fast
ID Characteristic
Characteristic clear white bark, obovate, finely toothed leaves.
Pests
There has been some discussion of this species resistence to bronze birch borer. However, I am still reserving judgement on this since more observation in required. Plant expecting to relish with care even into maturity.
Habitat
Mountain slopes and lowlands of China.
Bark/Stem Description
Orange to yellow brown exfoliating bark that is often glaucous underneath.
Leaf Description
Dark yellow-green in summer changing to yellow in the autumn. Alternate, ovate to ovate-oblong 5-7.5 cm long, doubly serrate, dark green above, light green and glandular below.
Colour Description
Good autumn colour in most years, pale yellow.
Texture Description
A medium textured tree.
Notable Specimens
Weldon Library, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
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