Betula papyrifera
Owner: Norfolk County – Road Allowance
Nominator: Kasey McKenzie
Height: 18.5 m (60.7 ft)
Diameter: 112.17 cm (44.2 in)
Circumference: 352.2 cm (138.7 in)
Description
The white birch is also known as paper birch, canoe birch and silver birch. The range of this tree closely follows the northern limit of tree growth from Newfoundland and Labrador west across the continent into northwest Alaska, south to British Columbia and Washington. It is a medium-sized, fast-growing tree that develops best on well-drained, sandy loans on cool moist sites. They are commonly found in the mixed hardwood-conifer forests but may form nearly pure stands where they pioneer areas disturbed by logging or fires. White birch is short-lived and rarely lives for more than 140 years. Commercially the lumber is used for veneer, pulpwood, and many specialty items. The handsome foliage and showy white bark make the trees attractive for landscaping. They are important browse plants for animals, and the seeds, buds, and bark are also eaten by wildlife. (Source: Silvics of North America)
White Birch bark
(Source: MNR)