Betula platyphylla var. mandshurica

42.14813614, -87.79420471

42.14948273, -87.78838348

42.14948654, -87.78840637

42.14950943, -87.78835297

42.14952087, -87.78839111

42.14971161, -87.79516602

42.14971542, -87.78839874

Manchurian Birch

The Manchurian birch is a variety of the Asian white birch; it is native to Korea, Japan and northern China.

The primary ornamental feature of birch trees is the bark. Many of the common names of birch trees refer to the color of the bark -- white, gray, yellow or red. Another signature bark characteristic is its habit of separating into thin sheets; Native Americans used this property to harvest the bark from fallen paperbark birch trees to make canoes, bowls and shelter -- practical as well as beautiful. A strong secondary ornamental feature is the usually colorful golden fall foliage. Given their preference for cool weather and acid soil and their susceptibility to bronze birch borer infestations, birch trees can be challenging to cultivate in the Chicago region.

The genus Betula includes an indeterminate number of species of the birch tree; estimates range from 30-60. They are native to the cooler, temperate and sub-polar regions of Asia, Europe and North America -- generally preferring long cold winters and short mild summers. The Chicago Botanic Garden's collection contains more than 40 varieties among its more than 500 birch trees.

Soil:
Moderate
Plant Shape:
Upright
Exposure:
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Bloom Time:
March - April
Bloom Color:
Green
Landscape Use:
Specimen Plant
Plant Type:
Tree
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 7