- Botanical name: Betula utilis
- Common name: Himalayan birch
- Family: Betulaceae
- Plant Type: Tree, Deciduous
Yellow
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Autumn colour
- Colourful bark
The Himalayan birch, Betula utilis, looks stunning all year round. It bears almost shimmering white bark, which peels each year to reveal a fresh layer beneath. Its oval, dark green leaves turn gold in autumn before falling, and it bears attractive, pendulous catkins in spring.
Like all birches – including our native silver birch Betula pendula – Betula utilis thrives in most situations, but for best results grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. It can be grown on its own as a focal point in the garden, or in groups.
How to grow Betula utilis
-
Plant size
18m height
10m 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: Acidic / 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 utilis and wildlife
Betula utilis 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 utilis poisonous?
Betula utilis 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
