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Betula papyrifera

paper birch

A deciduous tree of conical outline, with white bark peeling to reveal pale orange underbark; yellow male catkins and dark green leaves turning yellow in autumn

Other common names
canoe birch
white birch
Synonyms
Betula papyrifera var. subcordata
Betula platyphylla var. subcordata
see moreBetula lyalliana
Betula papyrifera var. commutata
Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera
Betula papyracea
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Orange White Yellow Green
Summer Orange White Green Brown
Autumn Orange White Yellow
Winter Orange White
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Betulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Betula can be deciduous trees or shrubs, usually colouring well in autumn and often with striking white, pink, or peeling brown bark; separate male and female catkins open before or with the leaves in spring

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Will grow in a wide range of situations

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to birch borers, leaf-mining sawflies and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus, a tree rust and powdery mildews

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