Dahurian birch

Family Betulaceae. Grows throughout the Far East, in Mongolia, northern China, Japan, and Korea. Considered an indicator of soil suitability for agriculture. Protected in nature reserves. Grows on the lower parts of mountain slopes on deep, moist soils as an admixture in deciduous forests. A light-loving mesophyte, mesotroph, micro-mesotroph, a stable assectator. In cultivation in botanical gardens of Europe and the Far East.

Tree up to 25 m tall with a widely spreading, airy crown. Easily distinguished from other species by its distinctive bark: on young trees it is pinkish or even slightly reddish, on old ones dark gray, sometimes almost black-brown, cracking lengthwise. The birch bark periodically peels off and partially falls away, some of it remaining hanging in shreds, creating an impression of curliness. Leaves oval, dark green, in autumn yellow-brown. Flowers after leaf unfolding. Its growing season is shorter than that of other birches.

In GBS since 1955. Five specimens (40 individuals) were grown from seeds obtained from Dnepropetrovsk and natural habitats. At 34 years of age height 11.5 m, trunk diameter 26.6 cm. Vegetates from 28.IV±5 to 5.X±8. Growth rate medium. Flowers from 8.V to 12.V. Fruits ripen 16.X. Winter hardiness complete. 100% of cuttings root when treated with a 0.01% solution of IMK for 16 h.

Very light-demanding and demanding of soil, but less demanding of soil moisture. Poorly tolerates pruning and transplanting, suffers from soil compaction. Deserves wide use to diversify the assortment of parks and forest parks. Presents well in solitary and grouped open plantings in sunny locations. In cultivation since 1883.

based on materials from the website www.ultradrome.narod.ru