Paper birch is a striking native tree known for its bright, peeling bark and elegant form. A true four-season beauty, it adds texture to winter landscapes with its distinctive bark and slender branches, provides dappled shade in summer, and turns golden in fall, all while supporting a wide range of birds and wildlife.
Quick Facts
Height: approximately 35 feet in urban settings
Spread: approximately 20 feet in urban settings Form: narrow, oval crown with upright to drooping branches
Leaves: simple, bright green above and paler below, oval to heart-shaped with double-serrate edges; emerge in spring
Bark: smooth reddish-brown when young; mature bark is creamy white, peeling in layers with horizontal black marks, furrowed at the base
Flowers: long, hanging male catkins and upright, inconspicuous female catkins; appear in mid-spring Fruit: small, cone-like catkins containing tiny, brown, winged nutlets; mature in fall and disperse in winter
Fall Colour: bright yellow to orange
Distinguishing Feature
Its brilliant white, peeling bark makes paper birch easy to identify, especially in winter when it stands out against darker tree trunks and snowy landscapes.
Historical Fact
Birch bark canoes were first developed and used by Indigenous Peoples for travel, trade and transport across rivers and lakes, and the technique was later shared with European settlers.
Why We Love It
Paper birch brings movement, texture and seasonal change to the landscape. Its airy canopy allows sunlight to filter through, making it a lovely choice for naturalized yards and larger properties. It is also an important host plant for many native insects, which in turn support songbirds and other wildlife.
Did You Know?
- Paper birch is a relatively short-lived pioneer species in the wild that quickly colonizes open areas after fire or other disturbances.
- Its small, winged seeds provide an important food source for birds such as finches and chickadees. In northern parts of Canada, elk and moose browse its twigs and foliage, while snowshoe hares feed on its bark during winter.
- Young bark can be rubbed to produce a yellow dye, and the sap can be tapped in early spring for to make syrup.
Plant Your Own!
Planting a paper birch in your yard is a wonderful way to enhance the beauty of your property and provide habitat for native wildlife. Plant for less with LEAF’s subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program. Plant for less with LEAF’s subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program today!
LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of urban forests. They envision vibrant communities where everyone benefits from a healthy urban forest. For over 30 years they have been connecting people with trees through education, planting and stewardship.
