White birch

White Birch (Betula papyrifera) is a species of birch native to North America. It is also known as paper birch, canoe birch, or silver birch.

Description

The tree typically reaches a height of 20–25 m (66–82 ft) but can grow up to 30 m (98 ft). The bark is characteristically white and peels in broad horizontal strips. The leaves are dark green and turn yellow in the fall. The flowers are wind-pollinated catkins, which are produced in early spring before the leaves.

Distribution and Habitat

White birch is found across North America, from Alaska to Newfoundland, south to Pennsylvania with scattered populations further south in the mountains. It is often one of the first species to colonize a burned area within the northern latitudes, and is an important species for moose, snowshoe hare, and white-tailed deer.

Uses

The wood of the white birch is used for furniture, plywood, and pulpwood. The bark is used for making canoes, as it is resistant to water due to the presence of betulin, a substance that also makes the bark white. The sap can be fermented to make birch beer or vinegar.

Conservation

White birch is not currently considered threatened, although populations in the southern part of its range are declining due to changes in land use and the spread of disease.

See Also

• Birch
• Betula
• Betulin