Betula Utilis Var. Jacquemontii Silver Shadow, also known as Himalayan Birch or White-barked Himalayan Birch, is a deciduous tree native to the Himalayas. It is a popular ornamental tree due to its striking silvery-white bark and attractive leaves.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Genus | Betula |
Appearance
The Betula Utilis Var. Jacquemontii Silver Shadow can grow up to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Its bark is paper-white and peels off in thin layers, revealing a smooth, creamy white bark underneath. The leaves are ovate, dark green, and turn yellow in the fall. The tree produces catkins in the spring.
Care Guide
Proper care is essential to maintain the health and beauty of Betula Utilis Var. Jacquemontii Silver Shadow. Here are some care tips:
Water
The tree requires regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. It prefers moist but well-drained soil.
Fertilization
Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in the early spring before new growth appears.
Soil
The tree prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and loam.
Sunlight
The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones
Betula Utilis Var. Jacquemontii Silver Shadow is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The tree is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to bronze birch borer, which can infest and kill the tree. Regular inspection and treatment can prevent infestations.
Habitat
The Betula Utilis Var. Jacquemontii Silver Shadow is native to the Himalayas, where it grows at elevations of 6,000 to 12,000 feet. It prefers cool, moist climates.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does Betula Utilis Var. Jacquemontii Silver Shadow grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 3 feet per year under ideal conditions.
Q: Does the tree produce fruit?
A: No, the tree produces catkins in the spring but does not produce fruit.
Q: Can Betula Utilis Var. Jacquemontii Silver Shadow tolerate drought?
A: No, the tree prefers moist soil and does not tolerate drought well.
Q: When is the best time to prune the tree?
A: The best time to prune the tree is in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
- Betula pendula – Silver Birch
- Betula nigra – River Birch
- Betula lenta – Sweet Birch
References
- “Betula utilis var. jacquemontii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 12 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=259917&isprofile=0&basic=Himalayan%20birch.
- “Betula utilis var. jacquemontii.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 12 May 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/1651/Betula-utilis-var-jacquemontii/Details.
