Betula papyrifera
This tree profile is shared for educational purposes. Urban Forest Nursery does not currently grow this variety, but it remains part of ongoing discussions around urban tree selection.
UPDATE 2026: The Paper Birch tree has fallen out of favor because of the impact of the Birch Borer. We now grow river birch, Betula nigra trees and cultivars at they are less susceptible to insect and disease concerns.
Betula papyrifera is commonly used as a landscape tree for its striking coloration. It is a desirable ornamental to be planted around homes and public buildings, in parks, and on campuses. Moose, snowshoe hare, and white-tailed deer browse paper birch. Numerous birds and small mammals eat the buds, catkins, and seeds.
White birch tree is a deciduous small to medium sized native tree. The leaves are alternate, ovate or triangular, five to ten centimeters long. The flowers are male and female flowers in separate catkins two to four centimeters long, the catkins break up at maturity.
The fruits are mature seed catkins that are three to five centimeters long. The bark is thin, smooth, dark red to almost black on young stems, becoming reddish-brown and then bright creamy white.
Their availability may be limited, and they may cost a bit more than other varieties because of this slow production time. Let me know if you have any experience with the Paper Birch.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE TREE PROFILES
Jim Barborinas
Owner of Urban Forest Nursery, Inc.
ISA Certified Arborist #0135
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #356
15119 McLean Rd.
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
jim@urbanforestnursery.com
What should I know about Paper Birch trees (Betula papyrifera)?
Here are some common questions we hear from people considering this tree:
Paper Birch has become less desirable in production due to its susceptibility to the Birch Borer, which can significantly impact tree health and longevity. Because of this ongoing issue, it is no longer part of our current growing program.
Paper Birch is best known for its striking bark, which transitions from dark tones on young stems to a bright, creamy white as it matures. It is a small to medium-sized native deciduous tree with triangular to oval leaves and produces catkins that develop into seed clusters.
This species has traditionally been valued as an ornamental tree for residential landscapes, parks, and campuses. It also provides ecological benefits, as its buds, seeds, and foliage support a variety of wildlife including birds, deer, and small mammals.
We recommend River Birch (Betula nigra) and its cultivars as a more reliable alternative. Betula papyrifera ‘Renci®’ is another insect resistant option. These trees offer similar ornamental appeal while showing better resistance to insect and disease pressures, making them more suitable for long-term success in urban and landscape settings.