Betula papyrifera aka Canoe Birch

Betula papyrifera is a deciduous tree called paper birch. Canoe birch is another name for this species. It belongs to the birch family, Betulaceae. Its native range spans Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States. It also reaches south along mountain ranges. This tree grows best where summers stay cool. Heat and humidity can shorten its life.

Garden trees reach 50–70 feet [15.2–21.3 metres] tall. Oregon State gives a smaller range of 40–50 feet [12.2–15.2 metres], with some exceeding 70 feet [21.3 metres]. The crown can spread to 50 feet [15.2 metres]. Young trees have a loose, pointed crown. Older trees develop a rounder, less even shape. Trees may have one trunk or several shorter trunks. Nurseries also group separate seedlings to make clumps. Low branches often remain on trees grown in open ground.

Young branches have smooth, red-brown bark with pale lenticels. White bark develops as the branches age. Thin layers peel away and expose orange-brown bark beneath. Old trunks gain rough, dark patches among the white areas. The simple, egg-shaped leaves grow in an alternate pattern. Their edges have coarse teeth, often in two sizes. Dark green leaves turn bright yellow in fall. Fine hairs grow along the veins beneath each leaf. Separate male and female catkins share the same tree. Flowers open from March to April. Male catkins hang down and look yellow-brown. Smaller green female catkins stand upright. These form hanging, cone-like clusters of small winged seeds. The seeds ripen toward the end of summer.

Plant it in moist soil that drains well. Acidic sandy loam suits it, though it accepts other soils. Full sun supports good leaf color in cool climates. Afternoon shade helps where summers bring heat and humidity. Keep its shallow root zone cool and moist with mulch. It needs little pruning; avoid cutting when spring sap flows. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 2–6; RHS rates it H7.

Its pale bark adds interest after the leaves fall. It suits lawns, parks, and small groups beside evergreens. The leaves feed moth and butterfly larvae. People have used its bark to build canoes. Bronze birch borers can kill trees weakened by summer heat. Aphids, leaf miners, and birch skeletonizers may also attack. Possible diseases include leaf spot, rust, mildew, and honey fungus. It does not tolerate polluted or harsh sites well.