Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
Paper birch is instantly recognizable by its brilliant white, papery bark that peels away in thin curling sheets — a material Indigenous peoples across North America used for canoes, baskets, and writing surfaces.
Where found
Cool moist forests and disturbed ground of the northern Cascades, Rockies, and boreal-influenced valleys.
Fun facts
- Bark was traditionally peeled in sheets for canoe-building, basketry, and writing material.
- The papery white bark contains betulin, which resists rot and insects.
- A fast-growing pioneer species, often among the first to colonize burned or cleared ground.
Specs
| Height | 15–25 m |
|---|---|
| Spread | 6–10 m |
| Lifespan | 80–140 yrs |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Native Range | Alaska across Canada, south into the northern Cascades and Rockies |
