Betula papyrifera-Paper birch

Description

This is the quintessential white birch of northern New England. Not a terribly long lived species, especially when compared to maples and birches, they tend to max out at around 12″-15″ in diameter. I say “not long lived” but if they are happy, they will certainly outlive us. This tends to be an early forest successional species, and succumbs when dominated by white pine and oaks. Lustrous,sterling white bark highlighted by the occasional band of black accents. Interestingly, young trees start off their life with brownish black bark, which exfoliates to the classic white bark when it is an inch or two in diameter. In Alaska and other northerly climes, white birch is used for making a sweet tasting syrup; similar in idea to our maple syrup, but with a distinctive birch taste. Looks best when planted in drifts and groves, but can also make a handsome specimen tree. Larval host plant to the spectacular Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly and Luna moth. Appreciates loamy soils in part sun where it can grow to 30 feet and higher.

2.5ft-3ft high, 2 gallon pot size, $42 each