Betula utilis, commonly known as Himalayan Birch, is a deciduous tree that is native to the montane and temperate forests of the Himalayas and surrounding regions in Central and South Asia. It is often found at elevations of 1,500 to 4,500 meters, where it can form pure stands or mix with conifers. The typical height for this species is up to 20 meters (66 feet), and it is well-adapted to the cold, moist conditions of its native habitat, relying on snowmelt for much of its water supply. The tree’s growth can be contorted due to the weight of heavy winter snow.

The Himalayan Birch is notable for its striking white bark that peels off in broad, horizontal strips, providing a unique textural and visual interest in the landscape. It has a relatively inconspicuous bloom with few male catkins and short female catkins from May to July. The wood is hard, heavy, and brittle, with a pink or light reddish-brown heartwood. In cultivation, it is valued for its ornamental bark and is used in parks and gardens for its aesthetic appeal. It prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil drainage conditions, from slow to fast. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively low-maintenance once established.CC BY-SA 4.0