20% off
20% off
Betula papyrifera
paper birch ( syn. Betula papyrifera var. subcordata )
A deciduous tree which tolerates a wide range of soils, Betula papyrifera is a robust pioneer species with a most...
bare root | 1.2 - 1.5m tall
Delivered November
9 litre pot | 2.1m
available to order from spring 2027
1
Delivery options
Plant description
A deciduous tree which tolerates a wide range of soils, Betula papyrifera is a robust pioneer species with a most attractive gleaming white bark, which peels off in papery strips to reveal an orange-brown bark underneath.
Young plants have reddish brown trunks and stems that develop into the characteristic 'papery' bark. Yellow catkins appear from mid spring and the ovate, irregularly toothed, dark green leaves turn bright yellow in autumn.
Young plants have reddish brown trunks and stems that develop into the characteristic 'papery' bark. Yellow catkins appear from mid spring and the ovate, irregularly toothed, dark green leaves turn bright yellow in autumn.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Betula papyrifera:
When planting, add some soil conditioner (well-rotted compost) to the planting hole and some mycorrhizal fungi to aid root establishment.
Ensure the top of the plant's compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the collar of the tree is above ground level.
Support taller specimens either with a bamboo cane and or stake during establishment. Water generously around the base of the plant.
Birches need little pruning, but you may want to remove any diseased or crossing branches. It is essential that any pruning work is carried out between late summer to mid winter as the sap will 'bleed' heavily at other times.
Please note: The decorative pot shown is not included and is for presentation purposes only. Our trees are supplied in standard nursery pots, and the images showing young trees in pots are intended to give an idea of our larger plant’s height and form on arrival. We do offer a wide range of decorative pots separately if you’d like to recreate the look, although for long-term success, trees are best planted in the ground.
Ensure the top of the plant's compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the collar of the tree is above ground level.
Support taller specimens either with a bamboo cane and or stake during establishment. Water generously around the base of the plant.
Birches need little pruning, but you may want to remove any diseased or crossing branches. It is essential that any pruning work is carried out between late summer to mid winter as the sap will 'bleed' heavily at other times.
Please note: The decorative pot shown is not included and is for presentation purposes only. Our trees are supplied in standard nursery pots, and the images showing young trees in pots are intended to give an idea of our larger plant’s height and form on arrival. We do offer a wide range of decorative pots separately if you’d like to recreate the look, although for long-term success, trees are best planted in the ground.
Please note:
This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
