These trees are known for their bright white bark - their most significant identifying characteristic! Although similar to other members of the birch family in many ways, the Himalayan White Birch can be identified by its relative lack of inconsistencies in its color. Most other birch trees boast a variety of dark, horizontal lines across their paper like bark called lenticels. This tree has a relatively even complexion by comparison, and while it still contains lenticels, is brighter and smoother than the Paper Birch. Unfortunately, these trees are very susceptible to a type of parasitic insect called the Bronze Birch Borer. These trees can grow with one trunk, or in a multi-trunk capacity.
Image by Liné1, Wiki Creative Commons
Foliage
Leaves are green in color, and turn yellow in the fall. They have serration, or “teeth” on all edges
Seeds or Cones
Seeds are held in the structure pictured here, called a catkin. Once pollinated, small seeds will form
All illustrations by A.S. Longman
Did you know?
This tree is native to the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal - hence its name!
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