The Paper (White) Birch is a medium-sized deciduous tree found everywhere in Ontario except for along the shore of Hudson Bay. It is a very popular ornamental tree given its signature bright-white bark and vibrant yellow fall foliage.

This tree’s trunk is covered in thin, smooth white bark that peels off in large sheets. Bark from the white birch is very strong and pliable — and has been used by indigenous peoples to create canoes for thousands of years in Canada. Buds, leaves and seeds from the white birch are a great source of food for birds and animals making this an excellent choice to support local wildlife.

Paper Birch trees mature relatively quickly, so they are a good choice for establishing a canopy faster than some other species.