Betula schmidtii

Betula schmidtii, or Schmidt's birch, is a deciduous tree. It belongs to the birch family, Betulaceae. Its native range spans parts of temperate eastern Asia. These include the Russian Far East, Korea, and Japan's Honshu island. Plants For A Future also lists parts of northeastern China. It grows in temperate broad-leaved forests. That source records habitats at 2,300–2,625 feet [700–800 metres] above sea level.

This medium to large tree has an upright, columnar form. Its branches are fairly thick. The RHS places garden height above 39 feet [12 metres]. It gives a spread above 26 feet [8 metres]. Its description allows heights of about 98 feet [30 metres]. These figures describe size thresholds rather than a bounded garden range. The tree takes 20–50 years to reach maturity. Its bark is almost black, a key feature for identification. It breaks away in small, thick plates, not thin peeling sheets. The leaves have pointed tips and short stalks. Female catkins stand upright in spring, showing above the leaves.

Schmidt's birch grows in full sun or partial shade. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Soil should drain well, and can remain moist. Both exposed and sheltered sites suit it. The RHS gives it an H6 hardiness rating. This covers UK conditions with winter lows of −20 to −15°C. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8. The broad range of suitable sites gives gardeners several planting options. Softwood cuttings and grafting are listed methods of propagation.

Its dark bark and upright shape offer structure in gardens. The RHS suggests it for informal gardens, screens, and hedging. It also lists low-maintenance planting as a suitable use. Plants For A Future places it in the woodland canopy. Its wood is hard and heavy enough to sink. Reported uses include mallets and rollers. Possible pests include birch borers, leaf-mining sawflies, and aphids. Honey fungus, rust, and powdery mildew may also affect it. Plants For A Future records no known edible uses. The supplied evidence does not establish species-specific toxicity or pet safety.