Single plant selection originating of Betula tianshanica, Tianshan birch from an unknown seed source and designated as TS95115-2 with the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program. The selection TS95115-2 has darker green foliage during the summer months than the other sibling trees from original seed source. This selection has been fully hardy in USDA hardiness zone 3b. Growing in full sod condition for 17 years and 4 years mulched for its length of evaluation. EmerDak has reached a height of approximately 23 ft with a 12 ft canopy spread growing as a double leader. If trained in the nursery as a single leader, size would be approximately 23 ft tall with an 8 ft canopy spread, making it ideal for limited space or group planting within the landscape. Mature height may exceed this in other areas of the country, but overall it is a more narrowly pyramidal, formal birch selection. EmerDak had exhibited outstanding drought tolerance with higher than average resistance to bronze birch borer, which is essential for birch species. Foliage is an excellent medium emerald-green color throughout the summer showing no signs of chlorosis on a soil pH exceeding 8. Summer foliage is of high quality without blemishes resulting from birch leafminer or leaf spot. During summer drought conditions, EmerDak exhibits no foliar stress symptoms such as leaf scorch or early leaf drop, which is seen on many other birch species. Autumn coloration is an outstanding golden-yellow. Flowers consist of male catkins and female strobiles, which do not have significant ornamental value and are not considered messy within the landscape. The bark is slightly exfoliating with darker grey peeling to white with faint orange undertones. Young branches are a reddish brown prior to exfoliating to the white bark and have an ornamental contrast with exfoliating white bark of the main supporting trunk. Propagation is by side grafting or chip budding onto B. tianshanica seedlings or by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 4a-6, 3b with trial Mature Size: Height: 30' Spread: 12' Form (Shape): Upright, narrowly pyramidal habit. Growth Rate: Medium to Fast Foliage: Summer: Medium emerald-green color. Autumn: Bright golden-yellow Texture: Medium Flower: Monoecious, male and female flowers are catkins. Not ornamental. Fruit: Strobiles which release small winged nutlets at maturity. Not ornamental. Light Preferences: Full sun to very light shade. Soil Preferences: Performs best in well-drained soil and is tolerant of higher pH soils without chlorosis. Propagation: Side graft on compatible rootstocks, tissue culture. Ornamental Attributes: Emerald Flare® has dark green foliage throughout the season. The slight exfoliating white bark is extremely showy and adds significant seasonal interest. Landscape Attributes: Recommended use in limited space landscapes for vertical accent elements or specimen tree. It is recommended that trees be mulched and supplementary water supplied in stressful sites. Mulch will assist with winter protection in exposed locations or colder zones. Comments: Summer foliage is of high quality without blemishes resulting from birch leafminer or leaf spot. During summer drought conditions, Emerald Flare® exhibits no foliar stress symptoms such as leaf scorch or early leaf drop which is seen on many other birch species. Patent Status: