Southern Utah University

Table of Contents

Locations

  1. Campus Features

    1. Tree Tour

      1. Paper Birch, Canoe Birch (Betula papyrifera)

        Latin Name - Betula papyrifera
        Height - 45-60 feet
        Spread - 20-35 feet
        Growth Rate - Moderate
        USDA Zone - 3 to 6
        Drought Tolerance - Low

        Native to Canada and the northern United States, paper birch is known for its beautiful, white, exfoliating bark. Graceful branching and yellow fall color made it popular in the past; now borer infestation is commonplace. A dead trunk and dead branches in the upper portion of the tree is the classic symptom. Paper birch is adapted to cool, moist environments. In warm and dry landscape settings (most of populated Utah,) the likelihood of plant stress and subsequent infestation is great.