Description
This handsome birch is a fine specimen tree when sited in a large lawn. It grows to 12m or more in 20-50 years and has a large rounded or oval crown of mid-green delicate papery leaves. The leaves take on a golden yellow autumn colour before falling. The bark of this tree peels to reveal a pale orange underbark, and in maturity it develops black markings. The bark of this tree is traditionally used to make canoes and tepee coverings, as it is naturally waterproof and flexible, with a high oil content. This use gives rise to the name canoe birch.
Pruning is generally not required, but can be carried out in the dormant winter season. Separate male and female catkins develop on the same tree in spring. The female catkins develop into dropping cone-like fruits.
The Paper Birch is one of the only salt tolerant Birches and so can be grown easily in a coastal garden/environment.
This species is native to North America, and has a strong preference for cooler northern climates like those found in Canada and Alaska, and so is ideally suited to growth in the UK. It makes a magnificent specimen tree when positioned in a sunny site and in a position to be viewed from a distance. It can also bring a real touch of elegance to deciduous woodland, where it will grow less rapidly and blend in more, due to the reduced access to sunlight.
Betula papyrifera is naturally a pioneer species which spreads its seeds quickly and grows rapidly to maturity when sited in good soil and full sun.
Common Name: Paper Birch, Canoe Birch, White Birch.
Latin Name: Betula papyrifera
