Paper Birch is one of North America's most iconic trees, with brilliant white peeling bark that was used by indigenous peoples for canoes, baskets, and shelter. It is a pioneer species that rapidly colonizes disturbed areas and burned forests across the boreal zone. Its catkins feed redpolls, siskins, and grouse throughout winter.
Best time to see a Paper Birch
The best time to see a Paper Birch is March–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 14,510 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Paper Birch? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Paper Birch sightings near you
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