Species of the genus Betula are a difficult group taxonomically because of their high vegetative variability and frequent hybridization. Many species have been founded on only slight differences and many of these have subsequently been reduced to synonymy. Many morphologic and cytologic studies have attempted to deal with variation within the genus or its subgroups. Species of Betula form a polyploid series, with chromosome numbers of 2 n = 28, , , , and 112, plus additional numbers in some hybrids.

Common Name:

General Information

Betula chinensis is a deciduous shrub usually growing up to 5 metres tall, sometimes becoming a tree up to 10 metres tall[, ].
This species is one of the most valuable timber trees in N China[].
Betula chinensis is common across its distribution and there are no known threats that are or will adversely effect the species in the foreseeable future. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - central and northern China, Korea.

Habitat

Broad-leaved forests in mountain valleys, shaded, rocky mountain slopes; at elevations from 700 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Betula chinensis grows well in moist, warm-temperate climates. The young shoots in spring, however, are not frost hardy. The plant requires a long frost-free growing season in order to develop well and, in areas with late spring frosts, needs to be carefully sited to give protection from the morning sun in spring. It also needs adequate summer warmth and rainfall evenly distributed throughout the growing season. Frosts in late spring after the buds have broken can sometimes kill quite large trees[].
Succeeds in a well-drained loamy soil in a sunny, sheltered position[, ].
This species has a very vigorous, deep root system, perhaps more so than any other birch. Established plants on deep soils may be expected to be drought tolerant and, given adequate summer warmth and a long growing season, are tolerant of exposure as well[].
Hybridizes freely with several other members of this genus[, ].
Species in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is extremely hard and dense, close grained, very fine textured. Although usually available only in small sizes, the wood is considered to be very valuable and is used for making items such as pestles and wagon axles[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame[, , , ]. Only just cover the seed and place the pot in a sunny position[, , ]. Spring sown seed should be surface sown in a sunny position in a cold frame[, ]. If the germination is poor, raising the temperature by covering the seed with glass can help[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
If you have sufficient seed, it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed, either as soon as it is ripe or in the early spring - do not cover the spring sown seed. Grow the plants on in the seedbed for 2 years before planting them out into their permanent positions in the winter[, , , ].