White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Ironwood Tree - TreeTime.ca

White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Ironwood Tree

Ostrya virginiana

Betula papyrifera

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Ironwood Tree
White Birch (Paper Birch)

Ironwood Tree is one of the strongest and most resilient trees you will find in North America. In fact, it has the hardest and most dense wood of any North American tree. Prized for its oval shaped canopy and showy winter trunk, this striking shade tree will make a beautiful addition to any yard. Make sure you do not plant near roads as it is highly salt sensitive.

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.

Ironwood Tree Quick Facts

White Birch (Paper Birch) Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: any
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
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: yes
Catkins: yes


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