BETULA albosinensis 'Fascination'
It seems to me that when you acquire a new plant, you have a choice. You continue to grow it as the name it had when you bought it, or you check whether that name is correct. Of course the latter would be the sensible thing to do, and the internet gives us access to so much information. But that’s the problem. Too much information when so much of it seems to be conflicting! Originally attributed to B. utilis, as a young plant it seemed to tally with that classification. In recent years I’ve become aware of it being listed as an albosinensis cultivar, and as our plant has matured, I’m now starting to see the possible relationship with that species. The outer bark may be a rich mahogany, but underneath there lies the distinctive silvery pink characteristic of B. albosinensis. The maturing limbs and canopy have a grace to them that is so often absent from utilis too. Clearly confusion and debate continues because Plantfinder lists it twice… under both species. Oh dear. But don't let my taxonomic quandry put you off a very distinctive and beautiful selection.
Open-ground Specimens Only this season - please ask for details