Chinese Red Birch

Ernest Wilson brought the species from which Fascination was developed from China in 1901. He was very taken with it, describing it as follows: “The bark is singularly lovely, being a rich orange-red or orange-brown and peels off in sheets, each no thicker than fine tissue paper, and each successive layer is clothed with a white glaucous bloom.” Further to this, the catkins in the spring are amazing, up to 10cm in length, opening to a rich yellow-brown and so numerous my kids call it the ‘caterpillar tree’.

Betula albosinensis Fascination, also known as Chinese Red Birch, is a refined clone with dark green leaves, which are large for a birch, appearing in April, along with the showy display of yellow catkins. It has an outstanding stem colour – orange peeling to pink and cream and then purest white once the tree reaches 30cm girth. It is a medium sized tree, becoming oval as it matures, has stiffly ascending branches and the one outside my kitchen window, now over 63cm girth, is a constant joy and often commented on.

It is a great choice for parks and verges, growing well on most soils. A few list it as Betula utilis Fascination, but we firmly classify it in the albosinensis group.

This particular specimen is grown as a multi-stem version, creating a striking architectural feature that works beautifully in gardens or open landscapes. We also offer a single-stem version for those seeking a more traditional form.

Mature height: 7-12m

Common names

Chinese Red Birch

Height of tree

7-12m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Multi-stemmed

Foliage Colour

Green

Looks good in

Winter

Location

Garden

Genus

Betula