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 platyphylla japonica, Japanese White Birch, is a fast-growing tree which is attractive all year round. Their light green foliage turns yellow in autumn before it drops showing off its colourful peeling bark, thin graceful branches, and hanging cone-like fruit. Young trees have dark-coloured bark until their trunks reach 2.5 cm around. Plant the Japanese White Birch against a darker background or green lawn to highlight the pale trunks. Once established, tolerates some heat and dry spells. This tree is cold hardy to -13° Celsius.