White Birch (Paper Birch) vs American Sycamore - TreeTime.ca

White Birch (Paper Birch) vs American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Betula papyrifera

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

American Sycamore
White Birch (Paper Birch)

American Sycamore is the largest tree native to eastern North America. Generally too large and messy to be a street tree, American Sycamore thrives in large, open spaces, such as an acreage or farm.

The bark is one of the main features that draw people to this tree. The outer bark flakes off in irregular pieces to reveal an attractive white, green, and cream colored inner layer, providing winter interest.

American Sycamore has an extremely fast growth rate, gaining up to 6 ft in one year, and will easily reach its mature height in a short period of time. Be wary of this trees' root system, as it's typically very extensive and needs lots of room to expand.

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.

American Sycamore Quick Facts

White Birch (Paper Birch) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.49 - SAVE UP TO 75%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Bark: white, papery, peeling
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


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