Birch, Paper (white) (R)
At a Glance
Latin Native: Betula papyrifera
Zones: 2-7
Other common names: canoe birch, silver birch, white birch, downy birch, mountain paper birch
Mature Height: 80 ft. Spreads 20-30 ft.
Paper Birch grows fast especially when young.
Soil / Climate: Prefers cool, moist climates. When used in landscape planting, it should not be planted near Black Walnut as a chemical from the roots can be toxic to Birch.
Notes: Shiny brown bark when young, turning bright white with age, separates from trunk in thin, papery strips. Leaves are double toothed and arranged alternately. Produces brown or green catkins in April/May.
Wildlife: Paper birch seed is eaten by the wood duck, ruffed grouse, turkey, pheasant, blue heron, chickadee, and many others. Birch bark is a winter staple for moose and white-tailed deer can be found browsing on Birch leaves in the fall. Snowshoe hares will browse on birch seedlings.
Purchase Size: 2-3 ft.
USDA NRCS Species Information