Himalayan birch

Betula utilis var. jacquemontii Doorenbos, also known as the Himalayan birch or white-barked Himalayan birch, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Betulaceae family. It is native to the Himalayas, specifically in Bhutan, Nepal, and the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir.

The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 90 centimeters. It has a conical to oval-shaped crown with white, paper-thin bark that peels off in large, papery sheets, revealing a bright, cream-colored layer beneath. The leaves are triangular to ovate, with a pointed tip and serrated edges. The tree produces small, yellowish-brown male flowers in the spring, followed by small, brown female flowers that form into cone-shaped fruit clusters.

Betula utilis var. jacquemontii is a popular ornamental tree, prized for its distinctive white bark and graceful, airy habit. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, and is hardy in USDA zones 5-7. It is relatively disease-resistant and easy to grow, making it a popular choice for landscaping and as a street tree. It is also sometimes used for its wood, which is pale and close-grained, and is used for furniture, flooring, and plywood.