Betula utilis (betula jacquemontii) 'DOORENBOS' Himalayan birch

Birches are typical trees of Eastern Europe and Asia, as well as some northern regions. Himalayan birch grows slower and not as tall as white birch so you can try one in your garden, too.

Doorenboos is naturally a multi-stemmed shrubby tree with thick trunks. They are highly attractive for the creamy white (on young plants) and snow white (on older plants) bark that peels off in narrow stripes. This feature can be seen in summer, too, as this birch seldom makes bottom branches with leaves so it reveals its white bark beauty. Still, young and thin branches at the bottom are usually removed so you can enjoy the beauty of the trunk. The leaves are deciduous, 2-3 times bigger than on common birch, dark green, ovate, with serrated margins. Male catkins are brownish-yellow and appear in early spring.

It is adaptable to most soil types but its shallow roots need moist soil and extra watering in dry spells before it establishes. Fully hardy to min. -29°C.

Last update 31-12-2008; 13-08-2011