paper birch
Betula papyrifera
USDA zones2 to 6
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size50 to 70 feet tall25 to 50 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellowish brown (male) and green (female)
- Foliage color
- Green.
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) is a tree for specimen planting, winter interest, and woodland and rain garden settings. It is hardy to USDA zone 2, or down to -50°F (-46°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet soil of most types. Its white bark peels in thin layers and looks best against a dark background of pine, spruce, and fir. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything.
Pairs well with Tamarack, Blue bead lily, Yellow marsh marigold, and Bog rosemary.
Native range
North America.