The Himalayan Birch tree is revered for its dazzling white bark, an elegantly upright, open-branched tree with bright white bark reaching heights of 12m/40ft. A spectacular tree with oval, mid-green leaves, downy beneath when young that turn a clear yellow in autumn. As with other birches, the old bark peels away revealing the new bark underneath as it grows, giving attractive stripes on the trunk.

Betula utilis jacquemontii is a wonderful specimen tree. Deciduous birches have male and female catkins borne on the same tree. Himalayan Birch is fully hardy, they prefer sun but will grow in partial shade on most soil preferably fertile well-drained soils.

Cultivation: South, north, east, west facing

Soil: Clay, sandy, loam, moist, well-drained

Position: Exposed, sheltered

Light: Full sun, partial shade.

Foliage: Deciduous, green leaves turn yellow in autumn

Flowering: Male & female catkins

Fruiting: Winged seeds in autumn

Habit: Pyramidal

Hardiness: Fully hardy

Growth: Fast to medium growth

Benefits to Wildlife: Yes

Height & Spread in Maturity: 12-15m x 7-8m

Special features: Beautiful white bark

Symbolism, Folklore & Old Wives Tales

Known as the Lady of the Wood, Silver Birch is one of the most sacred trees in Celtic Mythology, symbolic of new beginnings and protection. This association derives from ancient times, before the written word when the sacred Silver Birch was associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid.

The birch has strong connections with fertility associated with celebrations of Beltrane, nowadays celebrated as May Day. It is one of the first trees to come into leaf and is a Symbol of Spring, ruled over by Venus and hence is a Symbol of Love.

What more could you ask for?