Betula Jacquemontii

White Stem Birch Tree

Common Name: Himalayan Birch Tree
Latin Name: Betula utiis 'Jacquemontii'
Soil: Medium to wet soil.
Position: Full sun to part shade.
Flowering period/colour: April/May
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height and spread in 20 years: 9m/4m
Special features: White bark and fine architectural shape. Catkins in spring. Golden leaf colour in autumn. Deciduous. 

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.

In addition to its fine bark, Betula Jacquemontii boasts lovely autumn colour, with leaves turning golden before falling. 

White Stem Birch Tree is not a difficult tree to grow, preferring medium to wet soil, but also thriving in warmer, dryer climates. It is fully hardy in the UK and, like all birches, grows rapidly to early maturity.

Birches are not long lived trees, compared, for example with the oak, but reach maturity very quickly, which is a great asset in the design of gardens which are intended for almost immediate appreciation. 

The final height of this variety is about 9m with a spread of 4m. Whilst stands of Betula Jacquemontii are particularly striking, this variety would be a fine statement tree in a smaller area or family garden, or even in a front garden that was large enough to accommodate the canopy width. 

The tree has separate male and female catkins, which both occur on the same tree.

The plant is a native of the Himalayas where it was discovered by Joseph Hooker, and it was named after Victor Jacquemont; the French naturalist.