Paper Birch

Native to North America, Betula papyrifera is sometimes called the Canoe birch, as the oily bark was used by native Americans to cover their canoes and teepees. The paper birch is a tall, fast-growing, deciduous tree of graceful, conical habit, well adapted to northern climates. The bark is white, peeling off in papery patches to reveal salmon-pink to pale orange under-bark. Brownish-yellow male catkins, 2-4”/5-10cm long, appear in mid- to late spring; the unobtrusive female flowers release their tiny winged seeds from cone-like fruits from autumn until spring. The leaves are delicate and heart-shaped, dark green above, slightly downy underneath, turning yellow in autumn. Useful as a pioneer woodland species and in coastal plantings.

Site: Tolerates exposure and salt air
Soil: Any reasonably well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of Interest: Spring, summer, autumn, winter
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: Up to 66ft (20m) Spread: 26-40ft (8-12m)