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

White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Tulip Tree

Betula papyrifera

Liriodendron tulipifera

White Birch (Paper Birch)
Tulip Tree

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.

Tulip Tree is the perfect shade tree for wide open spaces. It has a shallow and extensive root system, so ensure you give it space to grow. The attractive and showy, yellow-orange, tulip shaped flowers are where this tree gets its name.

Tulip Tree is somewhat rare in Canada but highly sought after as it is difficult to grow. Does best in a moist, well-drained soil.

White Birch (Paper Birch) Quick Facts

Tulip Tree Quick Facts

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Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, oval to pyramidal
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Foliage: 4-lobed somewhat spade-shaped
Fall colour: golden yellow
Bark: white, papery, peeling
Flowers: greenish yellow, tulip-shaped
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Native to: ON
Other Names: american white birch, canoe birch, paper birch
Other Names: canoewood, tulip poplar, tulip-poplar, tuliptree, yellow poplar