Paper birch

The genus name is from the Celtic word betu, which means “bright” or “shining,” referring to the tree's white bark. The name papyrifera is from the Greek word papyrus, or “paper,” referring to the bark, which is paper-thin and peels off easily. The bark of birch trees is not always white, but in most cases is fine textured.

Short, open trunk and irregular crown with large ascending branches. Airy foliage, green, turning yellow in fall. Catkin flowers in spring, followed by hanging cone-shaped fruit in summer. Few large, deep, lateral roots. Moderate growth. Birches planted with conifers always make a nice contrast. Height: 18 m. Spread: 10 m.