Paper Birch
Last updated by Larix813 on 3/16/2019 10:28:47 PM
Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
Paper Birch is a common species found throughout the BWCA. It is well known for it white, paper-like bark that is oh so amazing for fire starting. Paper Birch is a fire dependant species and grows readily after especially hot fires. The young trees have golden bark which matures into the white bark we are all familiar with. Paper Birch is a short lived species as the wood rots very readily. I have not personally seen many large, mature Paper Birch in the BWCA, primarily because the thin soils slow the trees down enought that they die beforehand. In moist enough ravines they can still grow into a nice sized tree.
For more information, check out the USDA profile of the species here.
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