What white birch looks like
Size and shape
- Medium-sized tree.
- Can reach 25 metres tall.
- Trunk up to 60 centimetres in diameter.
Leaves
- Egg-shaped or triangular.
- 5 to 10 centimetres long.
- Dull green on top and lighter green and slightly hairy underneath.
Bark
- Thin, smooth white bark that peels off in large sheets.
Flowers
- Long, slim green-brown “catkins”.
Where white birch is found
White birch is found across Ontario except along the shore of Hudson Bay.
What you need to know to grow white birch
- Moisture: can tolerate a variety of moisture levels.
- Shade: intolerant — needs full sun.
- Soil: can tolerate a variety of soils.
Benefits and uses of white birch
Wildlife benefits
Buds, leaves and seeds from white birch are a food source for birds and animals.
Commercial uses
The wood from white birch trees is used for:
- pulpwood
- specialized lumber
- veneer
- furniture
- cabinetry
Fun facts about white birch
- Peeling off too much white birch bark can kill the tree.
- White birch are often used in landscaping because they will grow almost anywhere given enough sunlight.
Updated: January 10, 2024
Published: July 18, 2014