Betula papyrifera
Deciduous Tree

USDA Zones: 2 - 6; tolerates zone 7 in moist coastal climates with cool summers
Light: sun
Height:  40 feet
Width:  30 feet
Height at 20 years: 40 feet
Special Features:
Fall Color
Fast Growing
US Native/Wildflower
Winter Interest

Paper birch reaches a height of 50 to 70 feet with a spread of 25 to 40 feet or more under good conditions. Its graceful multi-branched habit and peeling white bark make it a handsome specimen tree, especially in cool climates and moist soil. The small, toothed, triangular leaves turn yellow in autumn.

Paper birch does not tolerate hot climates and does best without competition from a lawn under its canopy.

Notable Varieties
'Snowy' has handsome white bark and resist borers.
'Chickadee' is upright, with good white bark.

Care
Water during drought. Mulch below canopy to keep soil moist. If pruning to a single trunk, prune in late fall or winter.

Planting
Plant balled-and-burlapped or container-grown plants in spring or fall in full sun in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Pests and Diseases
Bronze birch borer can be a problem. Plant resistant cultivars. Keep soil moist in dry periods. Do not prune in spring.