Lower Risk

Betula platyphylla (Japanese White Birch; Asian White Birch)

This deciduous tree is native to China, Korea and Japan. It has been in the ornamental plant trade in Australia since 1969 and has not become naturalised in that time. Further, there is no evidence to suggest that the species has become naturalised or invasive anywhere in the world. Climate match suggests that there are parts of NSW with similar climatic conditions to the species’ native range. Japanese White Birch has the distinctive white trunk of Birch trees and, similar to Betula pendula, has loosely hanging branches with silvery green foliage. The foliage turns golden in autumn before falling. It reproduces by wind-dispersed seed. Prefers deep well-drained soil in an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost but not drought.