Northern Chinese red Birch Kansu A lovely, easy-to-grow tree for year-round colour, Betula albosinensis var. septentrionlis Kansu is a vigorous, medium-sized, deciduous tree with upright branches and an open, conical crown. The bark is a rich, matte, coppery-brown, which flakes and peels to reveal an under-bark of similar colour. The pointed, ovate leaves are glossy green, turning rich butter-yellow in autumn. The yellow-brown male catkins emerge with the leaves, and are very good for wild-life. Northern Chinese red birch Kansu will not reach its maximum height on thin chalky soil. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Any reasonably well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 50’ (15m) Spread: 26’ (8m)