The leaves of a birch in Dunedin Botanic Garden frame a view of Mt Cargill. Photos: Gillian Vine. : Birches have virtues too

In Alan Trott’s Ashburton garden, white trunks of ‘Silver Shadow’, a Himalayan birch (Betula utilis var. jacmontii), contrast with the dark brown bark of ‘Uru Tawhai’, a river birch (B. nigra) cultivar. : Birches have virtues too

‘Shiloh Splash’ is a dramatic river birch variety that will tolerate moist soil. : Birches have virtues too

‘Black Prince’ is a silver birch (Betula pendula) cultivar with deep purple leaves that turn orange-yellow in autumn. : Birches have virtues too

Swedish or cut-leaf birch (Betula pendula ‘Laciniata’) has deeply indented leaves. : Birches have virtues too

Bark of paper or canoe birch (Betula papyrifera) was used by Native Americans to make canoes. : Birches have virtues too

Betula x fetisowii is a smaller Chinese hybrid, whose peeling bark reveals warm cinnamon colour. : Birches have virtues too

Pale bark with warm undertones is part of the appeal of Erman’s birch (Betula ermanii). : Birches have virtues too