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: Gold Birch

General Information

Betula ermanii is a deciduous tree that usually grow up to 20 metres tall, though specimens up to 30 metres have been recorded[, ]. The trunk usually divides into several stems near the base, but the tree develops a clean trunk and a narrow crown when it is grown in the crowded conditions of a woodland[]. In Russia, the tree is often found on stony slopes, mainly in the form of isolated stunted trees in thickets of cedar-pine forests and also forming stunted woodland[].
It is also cultivated as an ornamental with a number of varieties and unidentified hybrids[].
This species has a wide range and is reported to be very common across its range. There are no known major threats to the survival of this species at present. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

N.E. Asia - Siberia to the Russian Far East, northern China, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Mountains all over Japan[]. Forming pure forest stands, but also in mixed forests of coniferous and broad-leaved trees; at elevations from 1,000 - 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Betula ermanii is primarily a mountain tree which is a major if not the sole component of tree-line forests in Japan and Korea and mainland eastern Asia as far west as Lake Baikal. Although the plant is very cold tolerant, the young growth in spring is subject to damage by late frosts[, ].
Succeeds in a well-drained loamy soil in a sheltered position[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dislikes wet soils[]. Shade tolerant[]. A colonizer of poor soils and cleared woodlands, it tolerates very poor soils[]. This species is sensitive to drought, which causes dieback, but is tolerant of wet soils. It prefers to grow in rich and moist soils with high humus content and is encountered more frequently on cool wet north facing slopes[].
A very polymorphic species[], it hybridizes freely with several other members of this genus[].
Species in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is vulnerary. It is used to bandage wounds[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree colonizes poor soils and cleared woodlands in the wild[]. This makes it suitable for use as a pioneer within its native range for re-establishing woodlands. It is a quite short-lived species, but grows fairly quickly and creates suitable conditions for more permanent trees to become established. Because its seedlings do not grow well in shady conditions, the birch is eventually out-competed by the other woodland trees[].

Other Uses

The wood is hard and dense, and is used for construction and making furniture[].

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[, , , ].