Information about Betula maximowicziana

Betula maximowicziana, also known as Monarch birch, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Betulaceae. It is native to eastern Asia, specifically to Japan, Korea, and China. The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a narrow, conical crown.

The bark of Betula maximowicziana is smooth and gray when young, but it becomes dark and rough with age, often with horizontal lenticels. The leaves are simple, alternate, ovate, and doubly serrate, with a pointed tip and a tapered base. They are dark green on the upper surface and paler green on the underside, with a slightly hairy texture. The tree produces male and female flowers on separate catkins, with the male catkins being longer and more pendulous than the female ones.

Betula maximowicziana prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sunlight. It is commonly used in landscaping and as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. The tree is also used for its wood, which is hard and durable, making it suitable for furniture, flooring, and other construction purposes. Additionally, the bark of the tree is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.