Paper, White or Canoe Birch (Betula papyrifera)

Form

Height 65 to 70 feet, diameter 12 to 20 inches; rounded to pyramid-shaped crown.

Bark

Thin, smooth, reddish-brown on young trees turning creamy white with age; marked by many pores or "lenticels;" readily peeling in large pieces exposing orange inner bark; branch scars marked with inverted black V.

Leaf

Alternate, length 2 to 3 inches, width 1 to 2 inches; oval or heart-shaped, pointed, rounded at base, irregularly toothed; becomes thick and leathery in texture, dark green on upper side and yellowish-green on lower side.

Fruit

A catkin, about 1 inch long; contains many tiny, winged seeds, seeds about 1/6 inch in length; seed matures in August and September, disseminating throughout the fall and may even be seen scattered on the snow.

Range

Generally abundant throughout the state and occurs chiefly on the better sand and gravel soils in mixture with pine and aspen.

Wood

Hard, strong, tough, light in weight; brown tinged with red heartwood, nearly white sapwood; used for spools, toothpicks, toys, handles, paper pulp, flooring, firewood and interior finish.

Notes

Years ago, birch bark was extensively used by northern Native Americans for canoes and wigwams and for making baskets, cups, bags and other useful utensils.