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 dahurica is a deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown; it usually grows from 6 - 20 metres tall, though specimens up to 30 metres have been recorded[]. The bole can be around 30 - 60cm in diameter - it is erect in the south of its range but in the north it generally forks at around the middle of its height[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of wood and fuel. It is seen as an indicator species of good quality, well0drained soils.
This species has a wide distribution and no known major threats. 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 - southeastern Siberia to the Russian Far East, Mongolia, northern China, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Mixed or coniferous forests, dry or moist, sunny slopes, rocks on mountain summits; at elevations from 400 - 1,300 metres[]. Found on dry well drained ridges, slopes, terraces, riverbanks, sandy crests and river valleys[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	17.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Betula dahurica is a plant of regions with very cold winters. It is very tolerant of winter cold but, in milder temperate areas is likely to come into new growth too soon in the spring and this new growth can be easily damaged by late frosts[].
Requires a sunny or fairly sunny position[]. Usually foundf in well-drained soils, often sandy[].
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

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is useful as an indicator of good drainage for the purposes of land reclamation. In the northern part of its territory, the presence of Betula dahurica may be taken as first evidence that the land is in no need of amelioration[].

Other Uses

The wood is strong, hard and dense.It is stronger and more yellow than common birch (Betula pendula and Betula pubescens), and is used in house construction and for making agricultural tools, carriages, furniture and miscellaneous items[, ].
The wood is used for fuel[].

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[, , , ].