Betula utilis jacquemontii is a species of deciduous broadleaf flowering plants (in the Betulaceae or Birch family), native to the western Himalayas. It is a conspicuous tree on account of its striking smooth white bark, which has short horizontal lines. It peels away in thin papery layers and was historically used in parts of South Asia for writing sacred texts and manuscripts. Its oval green leaves turn golden-yellow in autumn, creating dramatic seasonal colour in mountain landscapes. Because of its elegant appearance and tolerance of cold conditions (in its native range, it grows to altitudes of 4500 m), it is widely planted in parks and gardens around the world.