White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Water Arum - TreeTime.ca

White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Water Arum

Calla palustris

Betula papyrifera

CUSTOM GROW

Water Arum
White Birch (Paper Birch)

Water Arum is a native perennial wetland plant known for its showy white oval sheaths (spathe) that surround a yellow-green, cylindrical flower spike (spadix). It has large, oblong, heart-shaped leaves on stems that rise above the water from shallow, spreading rhizomes. The blossoms are followed in late summer by tiny, pear-shaped fruits that ripen to bright red, adding ornamental interest to wet habitats.

Water Arum provides food for birds and small mammals that eat its berries, and its flowers attract pollinators. It can tolerate cold climates and forms colonies in shallow water and saturated soils. It is well-suited for ecological restoration, riparian planting, naturalisation, and habitat projects in wet and shaded environments.

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.

Water Arum Quick Facts

White Birch (Paper Birch) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.49 - SAVE UP TO 75%
Zone: 1b
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: long
Growth form: colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: none

Toxicity: toxic if ingested

Bark: white, papery, peeling
Flowers: white sheath around and yellow spike
Bloom time: spring to summer
Berries: red, in clusters
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Other Names: bog arum, swamp lily, wild calla, wild dragon
Other Names: american white birch, canoe birch, paper birch