Betula Jacquemontii, also known as White Stem Birch Tree and Himalayan Birch Tree, is one of the most striking trees available in the garden design palette. It is especially useful for smaller spaces. Betula Jacquemontii is a variety of birch tree with a fine form and very white bark that almost glows white. The most striking example can be seen at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire where a stand of about 30 of the trees have been planted as a single feature. In this case the bark is especially white as it is cleaned regularly, for the most striking appearance possible.

The 'Grayswood Ghost' is aptly named due to its sparkling white bark: one of the whitest birch barks around. The bark makes an outstanding focal point in winter, giving this tree year-round interest. The leaves are dark green in colour with a rich and glossy sheen to them; they are usually preceded by brown catkins in early spring. Autumn sees a final show from the foliage as the leaves turn to crisp shades of yellow before falling.

This is an outstanding tree for winter interest; the attractive bark peels to reveal multiple layers of bark which show different colours simultaneously. On the same tree you will get coppery pink, burnt orange and russet brown. In spring yellow-brown catkins appear at the same time as the ovate, tapered, dark-green leaves. The leaves are lustrous and add a healthy splash of colour throughout spring and summer, before turning golden yellow in autumn and falling.