McBeath is an excellent example of the Himalayan birch (Betula utilis), featuring the prized bright white bark which is so characteristic of this species.
Yellow catkins appear at the same time as the new leaves in early spring. The leaves turn yellow in the autumn.
McBeath makes a good alternative to the popular Trinity College - it is not as well known, but it has an even more compact form and arguably a purer bark colour.
Order now for delivery from week commencing 18th November for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.
McBeath is easy to grow, and being slower-growing than most of the Himalayan birches, is a good choice for smaller gardens. It will do best in a sunny position but is very cold hardy and tolerant of most soils.
This form of the Himalayan birch was grown from seed collected at an altitude of 3,000m (almost 10,000ft) in the region of Himachel Pradesh in India in the 1980s by Ron McBeath, who worked at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh.
This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2022.