Paperbark Birch, Canoe Birch, American White Birch - Betula papyrifera
A fast growing deciduous tree, Paper Birch derives its name from its stunning papery white bark; papyrifera has its roots in papyrus - paper and fero - latin meaning to carry. It grows well in both acid and alkaline soil and does not seem to mind it dry or wet. This tolerance of extremes of moisture together with an extensive root system, means that Paper Birch is a good tree to plant to stabilise river banks and dry, sandy areas. For the same reason it should not be planted too close to house foundations or septic tanks.... Paper Birch must not be in the shade if it is to do well however.
Paper Birch flowers in April. The blooms are tiny and single sexed, although both occur on the same tree, and are wind pollinated. The leaves are a bit larger than those of Silver Birch but similar in colour and shape. The bark has been used by Native Americans as a source of medicine, for the treatment of skin conditions in particular. For obvious reasons, Paper Birch is also known as Canoe Birch Hiawatha may well have used it for his canoe; the outer bark is peeled off without killing the tree to provide the canoe skin. For survivalists, Paper Birch bark makes excellent tinder. The tree will stand a fair amount of wind, but it should not be planted in gardens or woods which have honey fungus.
Paper Birch is short lived - 60-100 years but grows rapidly to its final height of 20 metres by about 5 metres across.
If you are unclear about the way standard trees are sized, take a look at our Guide to Standard Tree Sizing or you can go back to our main standard trees page.
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