Paper Birch / Canoe Birch

Betula papyrifera is a handsome deciduous tree famous for its brilliant white, peeling bark that often reveals shades of apricot and tan beneath. While similar to the Silver Birch, its bark is generally whiter and peels in larger, papery sheets. In the UK, it grows into a medium-sized tree with an open, graceful canopy and pendulous outer branches. The leaves are larger than those of our native birch and turn a clear, bright yellow in the autumn. In spring, yellow-green catkins add further interest. It is a very hardy tree, originating from North America, and is well-adapted to the cooler parts of the UK. It grows best in moist but well-drained soil and is particularly effective when planted as a specimen on a lawn or in small groups where its glowing bark can be admired in winter. It provides a light shade that allows for underplanting with spring bulbs and shade-loving perennials.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.