Paper birch Betula papyrifera
Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Betulaceae family, native to Boreal and northern forests of North America. It grows 15–22 m (49–72 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -45 °C (-49 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Paper birch in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Paper birch at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Mature height | 15–22 m (49–72 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -45 °C (-49 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 2) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: sap (syrup), inner bark (famine food) |
| Native to | Boreal and northern forests of North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Paper birch toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Paper birch
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Paper birch in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Jardin botanique de Montréal (4 plants)
Questions about Paper birch
- How far apart should I plant Paper birch?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Paper birch need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Paper birch need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Paper birch?
- It tolerates about -45 °C (-49 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 2.
- When does Paper birch flower?
- From about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Paper birch poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Paper birch?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Paper birch. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Chalk-white peeling bark used by First Nations for canoes and baskets (Montréal's First Nations Garden).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Silver birch Betula pendula
- Common hazel Corylus avellana
- River birch Betula nigra
- European hornbeam Carpinus betulus
- Mountain birch Betula pubescens subsp. czerepanovii
- Turkish hazel Corylus colurna
- Himalayan birch (bhojpatra; white-barked jacquemontii) Betula utilis
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo