A large, open shrub of loose habit but not to be considerd scraggly. Mature specimens found at 10-12' tall and wide. Sharply serrated, dark green leaves resembling that of birch, hence its name. The white, slightly fragrant flowers are borne in 2-4" cymes in mid to late May. V. betulifolium is quite spectacular when in fruit, displaying ¼" ovoid, bright red fruits in copious amounts which are quite persistant. Native to China and Taiwan. Zone 6