Canoe birch (Betula papyrifera, Arbust. Amer.: 19 (1785))

Family: Betulaceae

Author: Marshall

Bibliography: Arbust. Amer.: 19 (1785)

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Betula

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Subarctic America to Canada, N. U.S.A. to Virginia

Description

The Canoe Birch, known scientifically as Betula papyrifera, is a prominent member of the Betulaceae family. This resilient and versatile tree graces the landscapes from Subarctic America through to Canada, extending its reach into the northern United States and as far south as Virginia.

First described in 1785 by Marshall in “Arbust. Amer.: 19”, the Canoe Birch has captivated botanists and naturalists for centuries. Adapted to thrive in colder climates, this species flourishes in a variety of habitats, including those marked by rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions.

Its common name, Canoe Birch, stems from the indigenous use of its bark, which was traditionally fashioned into durable and lightweight canoes by Native American tribes. The bark, with its distinct white hue and papery texture, peels away in large sheets, making it easily identifiable. This characteristic bark is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional; it is resistant to water and decay, making it an invaluable resource for crafting and shelter.

In addition to its historical significance, the Canoe Birch plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. It helps stabilize soil, provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, and contributes to the biodiversity of the forests it inhabits. Its leaves, which are simple and serrated, turn a vibrant yellow in the fall, adding a splash of color to the autumnal woods.

The tree’s versatility is further evidenced by its use in modern horticulture and land reclamation projects. Its ability to thrive in deprived soils makes it an excellent pioneer species for reforestation efforts.

In summary, the Canoe Birch (Betula papyrifera) is not merely a tree but a vital entity within its ecological community and cultural heritage. Its hardiness, distinctive bark, and historical utility continue to underscore its significance across the regions it populates.

Common Names

Eng: canoe birch, paper birch, white birch, silver birch
Deu: papier-birke
Ita: betulla papirifera
Fra: bouleau blanc, bouleau à papier, bouleau á papier, bouleau à canot
Swe: pappersbjörk
Nno: papirbjørk
Nob: papirbjørk
En: Canoe birch, Paper birch, White birch, Silver Birch
Fr: Bouleau à papier, Bouleau blanc, Bouleau á papier, Bouleau à canot, Bouleau à canots
De: Papier-Birke
It: Betulla papirifera
Nb: Papirbjørk
Nn: Papirbjørk
Es: Abedul de las canoas, Abedul papirífero
Sv: Pappersbjörk

Synonyms

• Betula excelsa (Aiton)
• Betula lenta var. papyrifera ((Marshall) Castigl.)
• Betula papyrifera var. andrewsii (Daniels)
• Betula papyrifera var. pensilis (Fernald)
• Betula papyrifera var. communis (Regel ex Schelle)
• Betula papyracea (Aiton)
• Betula papyrifera f. nana (B.Boivin)
• Betula papyracea var. grandis ((Schrad.) Schelle)
• Betula papyrifera var. montanensis ((Rydb. ex B.T.Butler) Sarg.)
• Betula alba var. elobata (Fernald)
• Betula papyrifera var. kenaica ((W.H.Evans) A.Henry)
• Betula alba var. commutata (Regel)
• Betula papyrifera var. macrostachya (Fernald)
• Betula papyracea var. lyalliana (Schelle)
• Betula pirifolia (K.Koch)
• Betula alba subsp. latifolia ((Tausch) Regel)
• Betula alba subsp. papyrifera ((Marshall) Regel)
• Betula grandis (Schrad.)
• Betula alba subsp. excelsa ((Aiton) Regel)
• Betula kamtschatica var. kenaica ((W.H.Evans) C.-A.Jansson)
• Betula kenaica (W.H.Evans)
• Betula montanensis (Rydb. ex B.T.Butler)
• Betula papyrifera subsp. kenaica ((W.H.Evans) A.E.Murray)
• Betula alba var. papyrifera ((Marshall) Spach)
• Betula davurica var. americana (Regel)
• Betula papyrifera var. lyalliana (Koehne ex Schelle)
• Betula papyrifera f. elobata ((Fernald) B.Boivin)
• Betula lyalliana ((Koehne ex Schelle) Bean)
• Betula papyrifera var. elobata ((Fernald) Sarg.)
• Betula papyrifera f. coriacea (Fernald & Wiegand)
• Betula papyrifera var. commutata ((Regel) Fernald)
• Betula papyrifera var. subcordata ((Rydb. ex B.T.Butler) Sarg.)
• Betula papyrifera subsp. subcordata ((Rydb. ex B.T.Butler) A.E.Murray)
• Betula papyrifera subsp. commutata ((Regel) A.E.Murray)
• Betula subcordata (Rydb. ex B.T.Butler)
• Betula papyrifera var. recessa (Lepage)
• Betula latifolia (Tausch)
• Betula papyracea var. communis (Schelle)
• Betula papyrifera f. longipes (Fernald)
• Betula neoalaskana var. kenaica ((W.H.Evans) B.Boivin)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by sherryfromtherock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2021 by chuck martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 28, 2020 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Marin Gangneux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 12, 2021 by Peter Werner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2020 by Rolf Imig (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by bryan brunet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by Jacynthe Barrette (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Leandro Martins Santos (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2022 by Willem Defieuw (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2022 by James Jarema (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2020 by Сайфутдинова Рената (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Robert Laurence (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Joanie Duval (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by Ureña Marta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Valerie Hollett (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by Jacynthe Barrette (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 16, 2022 by Willem Defieuw (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2019 by zebbiddii (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2019 by zebbiddii (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2019 by dredodo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2019 by dredodo (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5332120)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:32197-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Betula papyrifera Marshall)

Specifications

Growth