treeN. America Native

Paper Birch

Name: Paper Birch
Brand: Betula
Availability: InStock

Betula papyrifera

$12.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

420 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Prefers cool climates

Lifespan

Relatively short (40-60 years in landscapes)

Native To

Northern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Betula papyrifera is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree native across northern North America. It is most famous for its striking white bark that peels in thin, paper-like layers, providing exceptional winter interest. The iconic, brilliant white, exfoliating bark is the tree's hallmark feature, creating a powerful visual statement, especially against a dark background or winter snow. The leaves turn a beautiful, clear yellow in the fall.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Paper Birch is one of the most beautiful North American trees, prized for its brilliant, peeling white bark that provides stunning visual interest throughout the year, especially in winter. Its golden-yellow fall color is also noteworthy.

Historically, the waterproof bark was used by Native Americans to construct canoes, containers, and to cover dwellings. The wood is used for pulp, lumber, and firewood.

It is a host plant for the larvae of numerous butterfly and moth species, including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. The seeds and catkins are a food source for birds like finches and siskins, and the sap is consumed by sapsuckers.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$12.95

Nature Hills

In Stock$97.90

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to light shade.
Ensure the soil is acidic, moist, and well-drained.
Dig a wide, shallow hole, no deeper than the root ball.
Place the tree and backfill, ensuring the root flare is exposed.
Water deeply and consistently, especially during the first few years.
Apply a 3-4 inch layer of wood chip mulch over the root zone.

Pro Tip

To deter the deadly bronze birch borer, keep the tree's root zone cool and consistently moist with a thick layer of mulch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil consistently moist.
Mulch heavily to keep roots cool.
Plant in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade in hotter zones.
Prune only in late summer or fall to avoid 'bleeding' sap.

Don't

Do not plant in hot, dry locations or heavy clay soil.
Avoid compacting the soil over the root zone.
Don't fertilize heavily; birches prefer lean soil.
Never peel the bark from the tree, as this can damage or kill it.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Striking specimen for winter landscapesPlanted in groves for a naturalistic woodland effectProvides beautiful contrast against evergreens

Companion Plants

Picea pungens Cornus sericea Carex pensylvanica Vaccinium angustifolium Gaultheria procumbens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Paper Birch questions

What zones can Paper Birch grow in?

Paper Birch is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Paper Birch deer resistant?

Yes — Paper Birch is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Paper Birch bloom?

Paper Birch typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Paper Birch need full sun?

Paper Birch does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.