SafePlants

Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)

The Paper Birch, scientifically known as Betula papyrifera, is a striking tree native to northern North America. It is also commonly known as white birch and canoe birch.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Betula papyrifera
• Common Names: Paper Birch, White Birch, Canoe Birch, Silver Birch
• Family: Betulaceae (Alder, Birch Family)
• Genus: Betula L.
• Synonyms:
  • Betula alba var. papyrifera
  • Betula lenta var. papyrifera

Distribution and Habitat

The paper birch is native to northern climates and is widely distributed across Canada southward into the northern United States, from Labrador to Alaska, south into the Northern Rocky Mountains. It thrives in northern North America.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• The paper birch is a deciduous tree.
• It is typically a small to medium-sized tree, often with many stems, reaching up to 30 meters tall.
• Young trees have a loosely pyramidal shape, developing an irregular oval crown as they mature.
• The tree is best known for its smooth, white, paper-like bark that peels off in large pieces.
• Leaves are alternate, simple, pinnately-veined, and ovate in shape, with doubly-toothed margins.
• It has yellow catkins in the spring and yellow-orange foliage in the fall.

Ecological Role

Paper birch is a lovely addition to rural landscapes, commonly found in forests of the northeast. It is easy to spot due to its unique, white, peeling bark. It is considered by many to be one of the most attractive native trees in North America. Best near water sites like rivers.

Climate and Soil Preferences

• Paper birch has excellent cold tolerance and will grow in USDA hardiness zone 2.
• It is rarely successful in zones warmer than USDA hardiness zone 6.
• It is best grown in medium to wet, well-drained sandy or rocky loams in part shade.
• It is best sited in a northern or eastern exposure in St. Louis.

Uses

• The flexible and waterproof bark has long been used for making canoes.
• The wood is used in the manufacture of furniture, toys, basketball courts, doors, and paper.
• Leaves, sap, and lumber are also used.

Quirky Facts

• The paper birch is the provincial tree of an unspecified location.
• The bark is described as peeling off in large, papery rolls that are pink inside.
• It is short-lived and rarely lives more than 140 years.

Further Information

• The tree guide at arborday.org offers information on size, height, growth rate, sun and soil preference, and more on Paper Birch.
• MN DNR, Welby Smith offers photographs of paper birch and its leaves.
• Encyclopedia.com has paper birch articles, video and information.