A medium-sized pioneer tree with iconic peeling white bark. Indigenous peoples used the bark for canoes, containers, and shelter. The species is declining at southern range edges due to climate warming.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Betula papyrifera is a short-lived species of birch native to northern North America. Paper birch is named after the tree's thin white bark, which often peels in paper-like layers from the trunk. Paper birch is often one of the first species to colonize a burned area within the northern latitudes, and is an important species for moose browsing. Primary commercial uses for paper birch wood are as boltwood and sawlogs, while secondary products include firewood and pulpwood. It is the provincial tree of Saskatchewan and the state tree of New Hampshire.
Source: Wikipedia — Betula papyrifera Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Medium tree with peeling pure white bark; oval pointed-toothed leaves; pale yellow autumn color.
Similar species. Yellow Birch (yellow-bronze bark). Gray Birch (smaller; less peeling).
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Northern birch with iconic peeling white bark. Critical wildlife tree; bark traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for canoes, containers, and shelters.
§ Range
Boreal Canada and northern US
§ Habitat
Boreal forests, post-disturbance pioneer in cooler regions
§ Threats
Climate-driven range contraction at southern edge, bronze birch borer attacks on stressed trees.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the paper birch is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support climate action. Plant only in cool sites within native range. Don't harvest bark from living trees.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Betula papyrifera
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Betula papyrifera
- IUCN Red List · taxon 194041
- iNaturalist · taxon 49162
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Betula papyrifera
§ Sources cited
- USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual
- IUCN Red List 2017
