Betula papyrifera (Fr: Bouleau à papier | En: Paper Birch)

Paper Birch

Betula papyrifera
Alternative names: White Birch, Canoe Birch
French: Bouleau à papier

Paper Birch is a fast-growing and striking native tree, widely admired for its brilliant white bark that peels in papery layers. It is a classic early successional species, one of the first trees to recolonize an area after major disturbances like forest fires. This makes it a fantastic option for planting in disturbed soils, open yards, or as a restoration species in post-construction landscapes.

Young trees begin with smooth brown bark, which transitions to the iconic white appearance after 3 to 4 years.

Its bark has long held cultural and practical value—used traditionally for making canoes, containers, artwork, and woven goods. The wood has been used for veneer, furniture, and is still widely known as the source of popsicle sticks. In spring, the tree can be tapped for its sweet sap. The sap can drunk fresh, be boiled into birch syrup or, in keeping with Eastern and Northern European traditions, allowed to ferment into a lightly alcoholic beverage—similar to how Betula pendula (Silver Birch) sap is used.

Paper Birch is beautiful year-round and provides habitat and food for wildlife, including birds that feed on its seeds and insects that use it as a host plant.

Height: Up to 20 m
Bloom time: Spring (catkins)
Light: Full sun
Moisture: Adaptable
Soil: Various soil types
Habitat: Mixed and boreal forests, disturbed sites
Ecological benefits: Supports insects, early colonizer, food and shelter for birds
Edible: Sap (Fresh or for syrup or fermentation)