The Himalayan birch tree is one of those trees that few people know about but once they see it, few forget. This unusual tree offers a beautiful open-branch shape, gorgeous exfoliating bark, and exciting fall color. If you want more information about Himalayan birch trees, read on.
Himalayan Birch Trees
The white-barked Himalayan birch is commonly grown as an ornamental and is known for its glossy, glossy white bark. It grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 7. When Himalayan white birch (Betula jacquimonti) is healthy, it makes a truly showy ornament. Most birches have a pretty shape, but this one is particularly special. In spring, its open, pyramidal shape is covered in a showy bract—up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) long.
How about Himalayan birch leaves? The leaves grow bright green and dull in color. The color darkens to forest green in the summer, then changes to canary yellow in the fall.
Trees can be up to 40 feet (13 m) tall and half as wide. The tree's bark peels off to reveal the bark underneath, which gives the tree a winter benefit.
How to Plant a Himalayan Birch Tree
If you are considering planting a Himalayan birch tree, choose a location with moist, acidic, sandy soil. Full sun locations are best for plant color although the tree can also grow in partial shade.
This birch tree thrives in cool northern climates with summer highs around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They also do best as their root zones are covered in snow all winter long. In hot areas, use the hose and mulch to cool the rooted areas.
This tree usually does not require pruning. However, if a broken branch or two must be pruned, wait until the dormant season to take out the shears. If you harvest in the winter or spring when the sap is flowing, the tree will produce sap.
Himalayan Birch Problems
When you read that this birch does poorly in areas with hot, humid summers, take note. It's a matter of appearance.
When the Himalayan birch tree is stressed by summer heat and humidity, it is highly susceptible to the bronze birch borer, a trunk-packing wood-boring beetle. Stressed trees might become infected by the birch borer quickly and die. Stressed trees are also susceptible to infestations by Japanese beetles, which can damage plants as well as aphids, birch leaf miners, birch buttercups, and dieback.
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