Betula papyrifera

Paper-bark Birch

Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.:
30m 1
23m 5
25m 7

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres:
Ovoid, occasionally globular 1
At least 8m wide 2
Spreading 3

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: Moderate (236 sqm)

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.: Open 1

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Early (Apr to Nov 1)

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.: Moderate 9 to high 2

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree: Matures at about 70 years, longevity up to 200 years 8

Management & Systems

Typical systemsiCommon agroforestry or silvicultural systems where this species is used: Lowland 2

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability: Coppices and pollards weakly 1

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree:
Fast-growing 1
Sensitive to weed competition, regular mulching advised 5
Risk of poor growth in tubes 9

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Minimal or no pruning 1

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: Summer or winter (mid) 1

Paper-bark Birch, Reading, UK / Tom Staton / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts: –

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp:
Pulpwood 5
YC unknown

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: –

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: Tree sap 5

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products: –

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: Likely 30-40 year timber rotation (based on native birches)

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Low – shallow root depth and moderate canopy area

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: No

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): Moderate
Medium-term (40 years): Moderate
Long-term (60 years): Relatively low

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Recent introduction (neophyte) – survivor 1

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups: Likely moderate to high value, based on neophyte status but similarity to native birches

Pollinators

Flowering period (pollinator benefit)iTypical flowering months: Apr-May 1

High pollen and nectar value for pollinatorsiValue of flowers to pollinators: Low 1

Susceptibility & Risks

Risk of toxicity to livestockiReported potential toxicity to livestock, categorised as yes or no. Toxicity is complex and often context-specific.: None known

Risks to farming operationsiOther risks such as suckering roots, very large tree size, secondary host for aphids, and flammability: Bark is highly flammable 7

Disease susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to diseases, e.g. fungal and bacterial disease:
Moderate
May be susceptible to honey fungus, a tree rust, powdery mildews 6, and various decay and root-rotting fungi 9

Invertebrate pest susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to invertebrate pests, e.g. aphids and other insects:
Low (high future risk)
May be susceptible to birch borers, leaf-mining sawflies, and aphids 6

Vertebrate damage susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to vertebrate pests, e.g. squirrels and deer:
Low to moderate
Can be damanged by browsing mammals such as deer and hare 9