Betula is a genus that consists of 60 species. They are cultivated for their striking ornamental peeling bark and stunning autumn foliage. Birches are much loved for bonsai because of their elegant beauty.

Betula albosinensis or Chinese Red Paper Bark Birch is a beautiful birch with bark that can be a deep red. Its small leaves and quick growth make this an excellent bonsai or specimen subject for the landscape. Birch bark is high in betulin and betulinic acid, phytochemicals which have potential as pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals which show promise as industrial lubricants. Birch bark can be soaked until moist in water, and then formed into a cast for a broken arm. Medicinally the inner bark of birch can be ingested safely.