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.

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.