Betula papyrifera
Table of Contents
Common Names: Paper Birch, White Birch
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Tracheophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Order: Fagales |
| Family: Betulaceae |
| Genus: Betula |
| Species: Betula papyrifera |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Paper birch is a medium sized tree, reaching between 50 and 80 feet tall.
The bark of this tree is a distinct white that peels off. Underneith the bark layer is a soft creamy orange color.
Paper birch leaves are alternate and simple. They are between 1 t o4 inches long, triangular, and toothed. In the fall, they turn a light yellow.
Habitat & Range
Paper birch grows best in recently disturbed areas, and is one of the first trees to move into these areas.
Their range reaches across much of Canada as well as many northern states in the US.
Featured image by James Dake.
Related
Betula lenta
Black Birch
Carpinus caroliniana
American Hornbeam
Ostrya virginiana
Eastern Hop Hornbeam""