- Botanical name: Betula albosinensis
- Common name: Chinese silver birch
- Family: Betulaceae
- Plant Type: Tree, Deciduous
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Autumn colour
- Colourful bark
Betula albosinensis, or Chinese silver birch, is a medium-sized deciduous tree with an open crown, giving it a handsome appearance. However its most fetching feature is its bark, which shines with a burnished copper gleam in different shades of rose, pink and purple. The bark peels gracefully, offering a contrasting honey or reddish-maroon backing with a grey bloom. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped and pale green. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Like all birches – including our native silver birch Betula pendula – Betula albosinensis thrives in most situations, but for best results grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade.
How to grow Betula albosinensis
-
Plant size
30m height
22.5m spread
-
Aspect
North facing, south facing, east facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Back
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does flower in March |
A
Plant does flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Betula albosinensis and wildlife
Betula albosinensis is known for attracting bees and birds. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and provides shelter and habitat.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Attractive to Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Does not attract Other pollinators
Is Betula albosinensis poisonous?
Betula albosinensis has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
