Betula ermanii aka Russian Rock Birch

Betula ermanii, also known as Erman's birch, is a species of birch tree that belongs to the family Betulaceae. This highly variable tree can be found in Northeast China, Korea, Japan, and the Russian Far East, including the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, and Kamchatka. It can reach a maximum height of 20 meters (66 ft) and is often recognized for its distinctive peeling bark, which typically shreds and hangs from the trunk and branches. In spring, yellow-brown male catkins appear alongside the leaves. The cultivar 'Grayswood Hill' has been honored with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, and as a result, Betula ermanii is widely cultivated outside its natural range. It is frequently encountered as a street tree in London and other British towns and cities, and leading nurseries like Barcham Trees offer this species. This small, weeping deciduous tree has a spreading and shrubby form, growing up to 8 meters in height. Its oval, glossy green leaves turn yellow in autumn before falling. Another variation of Betula ermanii is a medium-sized tree with an ovoid crown that starts narrow but becomes more substantial over time. Reaching a maximum height of 20 meters, it features an upright trunk with a yellow-white color and a greyish hue. The triangular to ovate leaves have 7-11 pairs of distinct veins and a double-serrated margin. 'Holland' sprouts early in spring and exhibits a striking yellow autumn color, shedding its leaves early. This tree has shallow roots with a dense root system and is susceptible to coastal winds. Overall, Betula ermanii is a versatile and visually appealing species that is widely appreciated and cultivated beyond its natural habitat.