Paper Birch
ExploreTrees
Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
The Paper Birch is known for its smooth, white bark that peels away like paper! It grows tall and has lovely green leaves.
Habitat: Woodlands and along riverbanks
Appearance
The Paper Birch has striking, papery white bark that peels off in thin layers, revealing a salmon-pink or reddish-brown inner bark. Its ovate, serrated leaves turn bright yellow in autumn, making it easy to spot against other trees.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyBetulaceaeGenusBetula
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
2
Interesting facts
Ancient indigenous peoples used its strong bark to write messages and maps!
Its bark can be lit even when wet, making it a natural fire starter!
The wood is so tough it's used for making toothpicks and wooden spools!
You can tap its sap in spring to make syrup, just like maple syrup!
Special abilities
Ability
Peeling Protector
Paper Birch has waterproof bark that peels easily, helping it shed pests and protect itself from harsh weather like freezing temperatures.
Ability
Winter Sun Harvester
Young Paper Birch bark contains chlorophyll, allowing it to perform some photosynthesis even in winter when its leaves have fallen.
Ability
Forest Pioneer
Paper Birch can rapidly colonize open areas after fires or logging, quickly growing to help new forests establish.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-35 m
- Canopy Spread
- 7-15 m
- Edible
- Yes
- Trunk Diameter
- 30-60 cm
- Lifespan
- 50-100 years
- Fruit Type
- Samara
- Growth Rate
- Medium
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
eats
Moose
Alces alces
browses on twigs, bark, and leaves, especially in winter.
eats
Porcupine
Erethizon dorsatum
gnaws on the nutritious inner bark, often girdling young trees.
depends on
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus varius
drills holes to drink sap, creating feeding sites for other animals.
depends on
Tinder Fungus
Fomes fomentarius
grows on dead or dying trees, helping with decomposition.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Canoe BirchPaper Birch TreeWhite Birch
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Paper Birch?
20-35 m
How wide does Paper Birch spread?
7-15 m
Is Paper Birch edible?
Yes
How big is Paper Birch?
30-60 cm
How long does Paper Birch live?
50-100 years
Where is Paper Birch usually found?
Woodlands and along riverbanks
What kind of fruit does Paper Birch produce?
Samara
How fast does Paper Birch grow?
Medium
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
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Park8 sightings8 species
Manitoba, CA
Whiteshell Provincial Park
You might spot Canadian Bunchberry, Jack Pine, and Paper Birch.
View guide →
Park7 sightings4 species
Michigan, US
Fuller County Park
You might spot Alder Buckthorn, Bulblet Fern, and Western Poison Ivy.
View guide →
Park1 sightings1 species
British Columbia, CA
Kootenay Lake Provincial Park - Midge Creek Site
You might spot Hornwort, Silverleaf Phacelia, and Big Rough Fescue.
View guide →
