Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon, USA

Common name: Chinese red birch

Family: Betulaceae

Distribution: central and western China

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Hardiness: Zone 5b -15 to -10 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental shade tree

Comments: Chinese red birch is one of the most exquisite birches in cultivation. Grown for its fabulous peeling trunks, mature trees will shed large sheets of pinkish beige paper-like bark with a white-waxy bloom revealing smooth patches of chestnut brown. This is particularly spectacular when backlit by the setting sun. Although its roots are shallow they do not compete with the other plants under its canopy.
This birch grows best in full sun to light shade and can adapt to a wide variety of soils, from well-drained to wet locations. It will also tolerate sandy sites or clay soils. Once established it is drought tolerant.