Birch family, Betulaceae
Origin: the western Himalayas
Habitat in the original area: mountain forests
Habitus: A tree with a usual height of 6–14 metres has bright white bark that peels off in large pieces. Its crown is pyramidal in shape and the lateral branches slightly overhang.
Leaf: The ovate leaves are glabrous on both sides, finely furry along the veins. Their edges are irregularly serrate.
Bloom, fruit: The blossoms form unisexual catkins. The fertile female cones grow individually on furry pubescent stalks.
Interesting fact: The roots of this birch are soft, and they grow only shallowly below the soil surface. Thanks to its origin, it can withstand freezing temperatures.
