Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Betulaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Species type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 7
About This Tree
A medium-sized deciduous tree featuring a striking chalk-white, exfoliating papery bark, an open pyramidal to rounded crown, and a moderate growth rate
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves, ovate to triangular in shape, 2 to 4 inches long, with doubly serrated margins and a pointed tip, turning bright yellow in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Distinctive white to reddish-brown bark that peels off in thin, papery horizontal strips, developing dark furrowed black plates near the base on very mature trees
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to northern North America across Canada and the northern United States
Growing Season
Spring leaf out and catkin flowering, followed by summer growth, brilliant yellow fall foliage, and winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for best growth, prefers moist, well-drained soils, and has low drought tolerance
Mature Size
Typically reaches 50 to 70 feet in height with a spread of 35 to 50 feet, moderate lifespan of 30 to 140 years
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its ornamental peeling white bark and striking golden fall color, historically used by indigenous peoples to construct canoes
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical food and habitat for various birds, small mammals, and insects, with catkins eaten by birds and twigs browsed by moose and deer