Cherry birch

Family Betulaceae. A very ornamental North American species. Eastern North America. Grows on mountains mixed with other deciduous species, occurs on rocky habitats. Prefers deep, moist, well-aerated soils.

A light-loving mesophyte, mesotroph, micro-mesotherm. In cultivation in Europe and North America.

Tree up to 25 m tall, in youth with a pyramidal crown, in mature plants rounded, with drooping branches. Bark of the trunk dark, cherry-red (hence the name "cherry"). Young shoots slightly pubescent, later glabrous, reddish-brown. Its oblong-ovate, large, attractive leaves (12 x 5.5 cm) are notable. In youth they are silky, pubescent; adult leaves are bright green and glossy above, dull green below, pubescent along the veins; in autumn they turn reddish-yellow, very striking. In spring it attracts attention with abundant, long staminate catkins.

At 24 years trees growing in a shrubby form reach a height of 7.3 m, crown diameter 370 cm. Vegetative period from mid-April to late September–early October. Growth rate medium. Flowers from 8 years, in the second half of May. Fruits from 8 years; fruits ripen in October. Winter hardiness medium (partially frost-damaged in severe winters). Germination of seeds is good.

In youth grows rapidly, prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils. Long-lived. May be recommended for wide use in avenues, solitary and group plantings from the latitude of St. Petersburg. In cultivation since 1759.

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