Trees of Treehaven - Paper Birch

Paper birch Betula papyrifera

Foliage Type: leaf Arrangement: simple, alternate

Distinguishing features:

leaves - 2" to 3" long, 1 & 1/2" to 2" wide
leaf margin - coarsely doubly serrate
leaf - tip (apex) pointed, base - rounded
leaf surfaces - dull, dark green, hairless above, pale yellowish green hairless or pubescent below
twigs - slender, dull reddish brown to orange brown with lenticels, terminal buds absent
bark - at first dark brown, turning chalky to creamy white, separating into thin, papery strips; base of old trees, nearly black and deeply fissured

Habitats:

dry mesic sites
mesic sites
wet mesic sites

Often confused with:

Yellow birch
Hophornbeam
Musclewood
Beaked hazelnut

Ecological Value:

12 species of birds eat the fruit (seeds)
browsed by moose, deer and hares
inner bark a treat for beaver and porcupine
seeds and buds eaten by grouse, prairie chicken, squirrel

Did You Know?

Paper birch

is a fast growing, short-lived tree and rarely attains an age of more than 80 years.
bark is light, strong, durable and waterproof.

Uses / Ethnobotanical uses:

provided skin for canoes
used as waterproof sheeting over wigwams
used as pots to cook in, boxes, cooking utensils, shoes, and even snow goggles.
used to wrap the dead in
medicine for stomach pain
lumber used in woodenware, pulp and fuel
sap used for syrup
inner bark ground into flour
Tea used to treat poison ivy, bee stings, or rashes
fresh leaves made into tea produces a diuretic
strong tea can be used as a sedative for relaxation needs
leaves used for tea (not as good as other birches)

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Last updated on September 14, 1999.

Please send any suggestions or corrections to H. Knodle

Habitats:	dry mesic sites mesic sites wet mesic sites
Often confused with:	Yellow birch Hophornbeam Musclewood Beaked hazelnut
Ecological Value:	12 species of birds eat the fruit (seeds) browsed by moose, deer and hares inner bark a treat for beaver and porcupine seeds and buds eaten by grouse, prairie chicken, squirrel
Did You Know?	Paper birch is a fast growing, short-lived tree and rarely attains an age of more than 80 years. bark is light, strong, durable and waterproof.
Uses / Ethnobotanical uses:	provided skin for canoes used as waterproof sheeting over wigwams used as pots to cook in, boxes, cooking utensils, shoes, and even snow goggles. used to wrap the dead in medicine for stomach pain lumber used in woodenware, pulp and fuel sap used for syrup inner bark ground into flour Tea used to treat poison ivy, bee stings, or rashes fresh leaves made into tea produces a diuretic strong tea can be used as a sedative for relaxation needs leaves used for tea (not as good as other birches)