Betula medwediewii aka Medwediew's Birch

Betula medwediewii, also known as Transcaucasian birch, Caucasian birch, or Medwediew's birch, is a native species to Turkey, Georgia, and Iran. It is a decaploid plant, with its closest diploid relatives being Betula humilis and possibly Betula lenta from eastern North America. This birch belongs to section Lentae, subgenus Aspera. The cultivar 'Gold Bark' of Betula medwediewii has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. In its natural habitat, Betula medwediewii is a large, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that can reach a height of up to 10m. It has a conical to rounded canopy formed by dense, robust branches. The leaves are wide, glossy, and deep green. The bark and mature branches exhibit a pale gold color, while the autumn foliage turns vibrant yellow. During May, large yellow catkins appear, which eventually turn brown. In cultivation, Betula medwediewii is often smaller, growing into a sizeable shrub rather than a tree. The wide crown consists of stiff, upright branches that range in color from yellow-white to grey-brown. The mature trunks tend to flake. Young twigs transition from brown to grey-brown, featuring striking lenticels. The buds on the thick twigs are sticky. As the tree matures, the leaves diminish in size. It sprouts late in spring and retains its leaves well into autumn. The inflorescence also appears later compared to other birches. The relatively large catkins of this birch often draw comparisons to alders. Furthermore, Betula medwediewii showcases a beautiful yellow autumn color. It prefers a shallow rooting system and thrives in sheltered locations. Overall, Betula medwediewii is a versatile and visually appealing plant with its distinct characteristics, including its glossy green leaves, pale gold bark, and vibrant yellow autumn foliage.