How to identify Paper birch (Betula papyrifera)

How to identify Paper birch (Betula papyrifera)

Paper birch, also known as Canoe birch

Paper birch is a deciduous tree that may appear as a single or multistemmed specimen, with its form evolving from loosely pyramidal when young to an irregular oval or rounded shape with maturity. The tree's distinctive white bark peels away in thin layers, revealing the orange-brown inner bark beneath. Over time, the white bark is marked with contrasting black. Typically, paper birch maintains its lower branches and produces a light shade, with a variable height influenced by growing conditions and pruning practices. Its roots are relatively shallow compared to other trees.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Paper birch

Distinctive white bark peels in thin layers to reveal orange-brown inner bark with black markings.

Monoecious flowers; male catkins up to 4 inches, female catkins 1 1/4 inches long.

Fruit is a drooping cone with small, winged seeds in pale brown to green shades.

Leaves 2-4 inches long, dark green with prominent veins, turning yellow in fall.

Trunk bark exfoliates to reveal white exterior with black markings and smooth texture.

Detailed Traits of Paper birch

Leaf Features

Paper birch has leaves measuring 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length. They exhibit a rich yellow to golden yellow color in fall. The leaves are irregularly toothed and have a dark green hue. Hairs are present on the veins on the underside of the leaf. The veins are prominent, aiding in identification. The combination of size, color, and unique vein pattern distinguishes these leaves and provides a striking appearance throughout the seasons.

Leaf Shape

Ovate

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of paper birch are distinguished by their monoecious structure, featuring both male and female flowers on the same tree. Male flowers exhibit a yellow-brown hue and are found in drooping catkins up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. In contrast, female flowers are green and presented in smaller, upright catkins reaching 1 1/4 inches (3.2 cm) in length. Each catkin contains numerous tiny flowers, each less than 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) in size, appearing in early spring.

Inflorescence Type

Ament/Catkin

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of paper birch is a distinctive drooping cone-like structure, composed of numerous small, winged seeds. These seeds are enveloped in a woody, scaled aggregate that matures in late summer. The cones are a blend of pale brown to green shades when young, transitioning to a deeper brown as they age. Each seed is equipped with papery wings that facilitate wind dispersal. Typically, they measure less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) long, making them relatively small but densely packed within each cone.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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