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 schmidtii is a deciduous tree with a sparsely-branched canopy; it can grow 20 - 35 metres tall. The bole can be up to 90cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, northeast China, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Temperate broad-leaved forests; at elevations from 700 - 800 metres[]. Rocky crests and stony slopes, in deciduous or mixed forests[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	30.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Betula schmidtii is a very cold tolerant tree, although the young growth in spring can be badly damaged by late spring frosts. In mild winter areas, where it is often excited into growth early in the year, it can be rather subject to damage by spring frosts, though it has not had this problen whilst growing at Kew Gardens in Britain (hardiness zone 7 - 8)[].
Succeeds in a well-drained loamy soil in a sheltered position[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dislikes wet soils[]. Shade tolerant[].
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 hard, heavy (it does not float). T is used for rollers, mallets etc[].
Recently conducted investigations disclosed some outstanding properties of the wood of this tree, such as its durability and resilience. It is used locally for instrument making[].

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[, , , ].