Betula papyrifera, commonly called paper birch or canoe birch, is primarily native to the cold climates of Canada and Alaska (USDA Zones 1-3), with its range dipping down into a few of the northern U.S. states (USDA Zones 4-5A) and further south in the mountains (to Colorado in the Rockies and to North Carolina in the ...
Is paper birch native to North America?
Betula papyrifera (paper birch, also known as (American) white birch and canoe birch) is a short-lived species of birch native to northern North America .
Is the paper birch trees indigenous to New England?
Betula papyrifera commonly referred to as paper, white, or canoe birch is a native of the northern New England forest . ... The Abenaki, native people of the pre-colonial area of current-day Maine, used a roll made of birch bark to wrap the bodies of their dead prior to burial.
Are paper birch roots invasive?
Birch Tree Growth Habits
To double in area every year and build the underground web to support rapid top growth, roots have to grow fast. ... The tree’s aggressive roots seek water, prying open cracks or joints in sewer or irrigation systems. Birch roots are among the most aggressive — and destructive — tree roots.
Where are white birch trees native?
White birch, any of several species of ornamental and timber trees of the genus Betula in the family Betulaceae. The trees are native to cool regions of the Northern Hemisphere and have white peeling bark.
What is the whitest birch tree?
The whitest bark of all birches belongs to the Himalayan birch , Betula utilis.
Which birch has the whitest bark?
Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis) trees are known for their attractive white bark that looks wonderful in any garden.
What is the life span of a white birch tree?
A healthy birch tree should be able to survive and thrive for 40-50 years . In many yards, however, it is not unusual for birch trees, especially the white-barked birches, to die well before reaching 20 years of age.
Why is birch tree bark white?
Evidently, birch bark is white because it is rich in betulin (the name having been derived from Betula, the birch genus.) A triterpene to your chemist friends, betulin occurs as crystalline deposits in cells in the outer layers of the bark.
Why is the white birch New Hampshire’s state tree?
There are several reasons for choosing the white birch for the state tree. Not only is it native to New Hampshire — a first consideration — but it is found in all regions of the state, growing as it does on rich-wooded slopes and along the borders of lakes and streams . It is a characteristic part of the scenery.
How far should a birch tree be planted from a house?
hitexplanter. I concur please consider relocating these trees at least 10 feet or more from your home. There are multiple issues to be concerned with. Roots, branches, ill shaped because it is too close to home it will never look right.
Why are birch trees planted in threes?
One possible reason people plant silver birches in groups of three is to reduce their height . ... Since the birch roots are both deep and wide-spreading, certain gardeners feel that by planting a cluster of three trees, the roots will have to share a small area and, as a result, may limit the height of the trees.
Can you plant a River Birch next to your house?
As a water-loving tree species, they adapt well in moist conditions, especially near banks of rivers, hence their name. But many property owners are weary of planting new River Birch trees near their house in fear that the roots might grow excessively and damage the underground plumbing, and ultimately, the foundation.
Does Montana have white birch trees?
The bark of the white birch tree rises to the designer’s eye in a play that seems to have had intention. “In summer, wildflowers stipple the mountain slopes of Montana’s Gallatin County, not far from Bozeman. ...
What is a white birch tree used for?
The close-grained almost white wood is used for turned articles, woodenware, pulp, and fuel . North American Indians used the thin water-impervious bark for roofing and canoes. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello, Assistant Editor.
Where do white birch trees grow best?
Japanese White Birch (Betula platyphylla ‘Japanica’)
This tree grows best in medium to wet, well-drained, sandy or rocky loam. Although it prefers full sun, the Japanese White Birch thrives in northern and eastern exposures that receive some afternoon shade. A main requirement is consistently moist soil.
