Betula utilis var. occidentalis from Tajikistan

An extreme rarity from Central Asia, at the farthest western end of the species range in Tajikistan. One of the most beautiful birch for bark, unique in being cream and flaking in multiple sheets. Best suited to sites not badly affected by late frosts, though has reached 11m at Wakehurst Place, Sussex, so worth every effort. Superbly adapted to Continental climates.