Paper Birch Betula papyrifera Habitat – the most widely distributed (east to west) of all North American birches – northern North America, Labrador to Alaska, south into Northern Rocky Mountains, northern plains states and Pennsylvania – zone 2 Habit and Form – a deciduous, medium-sized tree – 50' to 70' tall – more or less pyramidal when young – older trees become oval to rounded, with increasing irregularity in shape – individuals have single trunks, but nurseries often grow them in groups of 3 or 4 ("clump birches") individual seedlings planted together in a common container – fast growing, especially when young – typically branched to a few feet above the ground in open exposures – texture is medium

Paper Birch Betula papyrifera Summer Foliage – alternate, ovate, simple leaves, 2" to 4" long and 1.5" to 3" wide – often with an acuminate or pointed tip – leaf base either acute or heart-shaped – color is a dull, dark green above and paler on the underside Autumn Foliage – clear bright yellow – typically dependable and showy

Paper Birch Betula papyrifera Flowers – 2" to 4" long catkins, usually in 3's and some in pairs (male). Female catkins 1" to 1.5" long – blooming in early spring – prior to bloom, catkins are shorter – little ornamental value Fruit – catkins, 1" to 1.5" long, composed of nutlets – no ornamental importance

Paper Birch Betula papyrifera Bark – young branches show smooth, reddish-brown bark with horizontal lenticels – bark becoming papery, chalky white after about 4 seasons – bark exfoliates or peels in strips to expose orange inner bark – on very mature trunks, the white is mixed with rough, black patches – probably the best white bark birch. The bark remains white longer than B. pendula and turns white relatively quickly on young branches.

Paper Birch Betula papyrifera Culture – best adapted to cooler climates – does poorly in high summer heat, especially root zone heat – fairly soil adaptable, often found growing in sandy, gravely soils. Prefers well-drained, slightly acid sandy loam soils – easy to transplant and establish from container or B&B – not tolerant of pollution or difficult sites – full sun – avoid spring pruning to prevent bleeding