Betula papyrifera
Common Name: River Birch
Paper Birch is a medium-sized tree reaching 60 to 90 feet tall, well-known for its striking white, peeling bark and bright yellow fall foliage. It thrives in cool, well-drained upland forests, rocky slopes, and open woodland edges throughout northern Minnesota. It’s a fast-growing, relatively short-lived species that supports numerous insect species and serves as an important food source for birds and mammals. In landscapes, it adds ornamental appeal and is often used in naturalized plantings and woodland restoration.