Product Overview
Beauty and romance may be the first images many people associate with the gleaming white paper birch. But this symbol of the north country — and state tree of New Hampshire — has earned its place in history as a continuously useful tree that has served North Americans since the earliest days of human activity.
Today it is one of the best-loved trees of the New England landscape, planted often for the beauty of its distinctive bark and golden fall color.
Hardiness Zones
The paper birch can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 2–7. View Map
Tree Type
This tree is considered both a shade tree and an ornamental tree. It features a spreading canopy capable of blocking sunlight and adds visual interest and beauty to landscaping.
Mature Size
The paper birch grows to a height of 50–70' and a spread of around 35' at maturity.
Growth Speed Medium to FastGrowth Rate
This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year.
Sun Preference
Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
Soil Preference
The paper birch grows well in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. While it prefers normal moisture, the tree has some drought tolerance.
Attributes
This tree:
Develops a smooth white bark that curls and peels (once mature).
Provides bright yellow fall color.
Features simple leaves that are 2–4" long, borne on leaf stems about 1" in length and medium green in color. Margins are double-toothed and leaves are arranged alternately.
Produces brown or green catkins in April and May.
Grows in an oval shape.
Yields very small seeds that are smooth and oval or elliptical in shape, nestled between two wings.
