White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Yellow Birch - TreeTime.ca

White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Yellow Birch

Betula alleghaniensis

Betula papyrifera

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Yellow Birch
White Birch (Paper Birch)

Yellow Birch is a large and valuable hardwood species in northeastern North America. The bark on its limbs and young trunks is silvery-yellowish in colour, hence the name. This tree prefers to grow in cool regions with damp or saturated soil.

Yellow Birch can be tapped for syrup, like Sugar Maple. Although the sap has less sugar content, it flows in greater quantity than maple trees.

White Birch is a large, attractive deciduous tree. This fast-growing, cold hardy species has distinctive white papery bark that peels in layers, making it a beautiful ornamental or accent tree. White Birch also makes great firewood.

Yellow Birch Quick Facts

White Birch (Paper Birch) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.99 - SAVE UP TO 67%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: none


Fall colour: bright yellow
Bark: shiny yellow to grey silver peels in curly strips, becomes reddish brown when older
Bark: white, papery, peeling
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Other Names: golden birch
Other Names: american white birch, canoe birch, paper birch