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Asian white birch

Scientific Name: Betula platyphylla

Family: Betulaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Dakota Pinnacle Asian White Birch (Betula platyphylla 'Fargo')

The Dakota Pinnacle Asian White Birch, scientifically known as Betula platyphylla 'Fargo', is a cultivated variety of the Asian white birch. It's favored for its narrow, columnar growth habit and attractive bark, making it a popular choice for landscaping.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Birches can have small parts like twigs, catkins, and seeds that may pose a choking hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Betula platyphylla 'Fargo'
  • Common Names: Asian White Birch, White Birch, Japanese White Birch
  • Family: Betulaceae (Alder, Birch, Hornbeam Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Betula alba subsp. tauschii
    • Betula latifolia
    • Betula platyphylla var. japonica
    • Betula platyphylla syn B platyphylla var platyphylla B mandshurica

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Manchuria, Korea, and Japan.
  • Also found in temperate or subarctic regions of Asia, including China and Siberia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Medium to large-sized tree, typically reaching heights of 40 to 50 feet.
  • Fast-growing.
  • Columnar or tightly branched form.
  • Known for its snow-white or yellowish-white bark (bark of some varieties does not peel).
  • Foliage: Deep green leaves that turn golden yellow in the fall. Chartreuse foliage mentioned for some. Burgundy-red foliage for 'Royal Frost' variety.
  • Early spring male yellow-brown catkins.

Ecological Role

  • In Central Yakutia (Russia), Asian white birch is a main forest-forming deciduous species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Susceptible to bronze birch borer.

Further Information

  • Leafsnap electronic field guide.
  • Dave's Garden community.
  • ResearchGate.
  • Gettys Images.

Quirky Facts

  • The bark color changes as the tree matures, transitioning from darker orange-white tones on young trees to ultimately yellowish-white on mature trees.