Betula albo-sinensis - Chinese Red Birch
Betula albosinensis Fascination is a beautiful tree which makes a great alternative to the commonly used Betula Jacquemontii.
With a mature height of 10-12m, this medium sized tree has an upright, uniform habit and for a Birch is quite dense in the foliage which makes it a great selection if being used for screening.
The most attractive feature is the bark which is white with dark branches and peels, like a typical Betula, to reveal a creamy cinnamon coloured underside. In autumn and winter months, with low sunlight reflecting off it, this really is a stunning characteristic.
The foliage of Betula Fascination is dark green and triangular in shape with a serrated margin. In autumn it turns golden yellow. In spring, at the same time as the foliage emerges, the catkins also appear. Yellow in colour, they hang in small groups from the branches.
Betula albosinensis is tolerant of a wide range of conditions and soil types though does not like to be waterlogged. In our opinion, it should be planted in a sunny, prominent position to really make the most of its beauty!
FACT: Betula albosinensis Fascination was originally classified as Betula utilis.
Plant Profile
Height: 10-12m
Demands: Tolerant of most soil conditions except waterlogged
Foliage: Dark green, triangular with a serrated edge
Flower: Yellow catkins appear in early spring with the foliage
Bark: Beautifully attractive bark, creamy white and peeling to reveal coppery hues underneath
