Native to the Himalayas, this is one of the most popular ornamental silver birch.
 
Description
This is an exceptionally attractive specimen tree, that bears gleaming, almost shimmering white bark that peels each year revealing a beautuful fresh layer underneath.  Contrasted with its oval, dark green leaves this tree would be a stunning  focal point in any garden, or even as a group.  During the spring, long yellow catckins appear and Autumn turns the leaves to gold before falling.  This is a hardy variety that provides all year round interest to any garden.
 
Planting Position
Like most birch it is fairly cosmopolitan in its soil preferences and soil pH but does prefer moist and well drained soil. Silver Shadow can be planted in full sun and partial shade.
 
Attributes
Betula utilis 'Silver Shadow' has perhaps the finest and most unblemished white bark of any Birch.  It is smaller and daintier that other birches so would suit the smaller garden.
Will grow to 6m x 4m after 10 years.