Schmidt's birch is a decidous tree growing to 35m (115 feet) native to temperate forests of Japan, North Korea and the far eastern Russian republic of Primorye [2]. Just a personal observation - I find the "official" estimates of a given tree species' stature is almost always exaggerated - sometimes by dozens of meters.

Birch is monoecious; separate male and female flowers are borne on the same tree - the male in the form of a catkin, and the female in cone-like clusters that fall from the tree and are blown for long distances by the wind. In the fall, the foliage turns pale yellow. Birch is wind pollinated.

The graceful elegance of the birch allows it to be used as a specimen or for naturalizing, and is best used in large areas. It transplants easily and is most effective when planted in groupings. However, many species are susceptible to the bronze birch borer and cannot be grown successfully in warmer climates, including much of the United States.

Family Betulaceae - Alders, Birches, Hornbeams
The birches have long been popular ornamental trees in North America, chiefly in the northern United States and Canada. Several are native Americans, but many species have been introduced from Europe and Asia. Our specimens include river birch, Dahurian birch, paper birch, Arctic birch, Manchurian birch, Manchurian alder, downy birch, Japanese white birch, and 10 other species.   
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