Betula is a genus that consists of 60 species. They are cultivated for their striking ornamental peeling bark and stunning autumn foliage. Birches are much loved for bonsai because of their elegant beauty.

Betula pubescens, synonymously known as Betula alba, and commonly known as Downy Birch, Moor Birch, White Birch, European White Birch or Hairy Birch, is a deciduous tree, native to northern Europe and northern Asia, growing farther north than any other broadleaf tree. Mature trees can reach 30m in height, forming a light canopy with elegant, drooping branches.