Betula grossa

Summary

Betula grossa, commonly known as Japanese cherry birch (Japanese: 梓 azusa), is a species of birch native to Japan, where it grows naturally in mixed woodland on hill and mountain slopes in Honshu, Shikoku , and Kyushu. It was introduced to the West in 1896, but remains rare in cultivation.[3]

Betula grossa
Betula grossa, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, England
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fagales
Family: Betulaceae
Genus: Betula
Subgenus: Betula subg. Betulenta
Species:
B. grossa
Binomial name
Betula grossa
Synonyms[2]
  • Betula carpinifolia Ehrh.
  • Betula solennis Anon.
  • Betula ulmifolia Anon.

Description edit

 
Betula grossa foliage

Betula grossa is conical in outline, but its most distinctive feature is its cherry-like bark, with horizontal stripes of reddish-grey becoming dark grey with age, exfoliating in thin papery curls. The dark green leaves are up to 10 cm long and turn golden-yellow in autumn. The shoots are aromatic, and carry long, yellow-brown, male catkins in early spring. [1]. The species is considered closely related to the American birch Betula lenta.[3] Hardiness: RHS H4.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ Shaw, K.; Roy , S.; Wilson, B. (2014). "Betula grossa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T194642A2355124. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T194642A2355124.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Betula grossa". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  3. ^ a b White, J. & More, D. (2003). Cassell's Trees of Britain & Northern Europe, 304–305 Cassell's, London. ISBN 0304361925