Shop With Confidence: FREE Growing & Glowing Guarantee

Free Shipping on Orders $199+
American Beauties®

Paper Birch Tree

Betula papyrifera

  • Exfoliating White Bark Reveals Striking Black Markings as Paper Birch Matures for Year-Round Interest
  • Thrives in Zones 2-7
  • Grows 40 ft Tall, 30 ft Wide
  • Native - Attracts Butterflies
  • Stunning Yellow Fall Foliage
$7343 $9790
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In Stock
Outside your zone (): not guaranteed Why

Rated for zones 2 to 7. Great in a pot brought indoors for winter, or as an annual.

Shop zone 

Houseplant: grows indoors in any zone
Will it grow in your garden?

Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to your state.

Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.
Plant Size
Plant Sentry Protected

Plant Sentry™ Protected

Your order is protected by our compliance system that:

  • Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
  • Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
  • Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases

Learn more about Plant Sentry™
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Fall Color/Interest, Native, Clay Tolerant, Wet Soils
Hardiness Zone 2a7a
Sunlight Full sun, Partial shade
Height 40 ft
Width 30 ft
Watering Needs Moderate
Preferred Soil Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate Moderate
Blooms In Spring
Flower Color Yellow
Native Yes
Native To Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
+21 moreshow less* Browse only. We cannot ship live plants to Idaho or Montana.
Suitable Space Outdoors
Botanical Name Betula papyrifera
Species papyrifera
Class Magnoliopsida, Fagales
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Other varieties

  • First Editions® Parkland Pillar® Birch

    Parkland Pillar® Birch Tree

    Betula platyphylla 'Jefpark'

    (8)
    $9790
  • Royal Frost™ Birch Tree (Betula x 'Royal Frost'), a tree featuring green flowers and deciduous.

    Royal Frost™ Birch Tree

    Betula x 'Royal Frost'

    (2)
    $11499
  • Whitespire Birch Tree (Betula populifolia 'Whitespire'), a tree featuring yellow, green flowers and deciduous.

    Whitespire Birch Tree

    Betula populifolia 'Whitespire'

    (54)
    $12399
  • City Slicker® Birch Tree - Tree - Nature Hills Nursery - 3 Container 3 - 4 Feet Multi Stem -

    City Slicker® Birch Tree

    Betula nigra 'Whit XXV' PP16,573

    $6515
  • Heritage® River Birch (Betula nigra 'Cully'), a tree featuring deciduous and multi-trunked, open form.

    Heritage® River Birch

    Betula nigra 'Cully'

    (10)
    $8942
  • Shiloh Splash River Birch Tree (Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash'), a tree featuring deciduous and open, pyramidal form.

    Shiloh Splash River Birch Tree

    Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash'

    (10)
    $9790
  • Fox Valley™ River Birch (Betula nigra 'Little King'), a tree featuring green flowers and deciduous.

    Fox Valley™ River Birch

    Betula nigra 'Little King'

    (10)
    $11760
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
A
Anne
Securely packed

Securely packed. Good size. One looked stressed from travel but has bounced back nicely.

Paper Birch can look a little rough after a few days in a box, so it's good to hear the stressed one settled in once it got some light and water. They're resilient trees once their roots find their footing. Thanks for the update, Anne, and enjoy watching them grow.

C
Ciakay (United States)
Great

For my neighbor. Looks good

Paper Birch makes a great gift for a neighbor, and it sounds like it arrived in good shape and ready to settle in. Thanks for sharing, Ciakay. We hope it grows into a real landmark in the yard next door. The Nature Hills Team

M
Mary (United States)
The trees are growing well and looking

The trees are growing well and looking happy!😊

Happy birch trees are exactly what you want to see. Paper Birches can be a little particular about getting established, so it's great to hear yours have taken to their new home. Thanks for the update, Mary!

G
Guest
A+

Fast shipping, great customer service, and tree is doing well so far.

Hi,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your shipping experience was speedy and our customer service met your expectations. It’s great news that your tree is doing well so far—healthy, happy plants bring us the most joy!

If you ever have any questions about caring for your tree or want tips to help it thrive even more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have a variety of resources on our website that cover watering, pruning, and seasonal maintenance, which you might find helpful as your tree grows.

We appreciate you choosing Nature Hills for your planting needs and look forward to supporting your garden’s beauty well into the future.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Z
Zachary
A+

Fast shipping, great customer service, and tree is doing well so far.

Hi Zachary,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your tree arrived promptly, that you had a positive experience with our customer service team, and that your tree is thriving so far. If you have any questions about ongoing care or want tips to keep your tree healthy as it grows, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
Just
So far so good

Tree came well boxed had a few yellowish leaves, planted and so far so good its healthy and happy, its growing really fast. Multiple branches as requested. The tree came good size for the price.

Hi Just A.,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with your new tree! We’re delighted to hear that it arrived safely and that it’s growing quickly with multiple branches as you requested. A few yellowish leaves initially can happen during the transition, but it sounds like your tree is thriving under your care, which is wonderful news.

If you ever have questions or need tips on watering, fertilizing, or pruning to keep your tree healthy and happy, please don't hesitate to reach out. We also have a helpful Plant Care Guide on our website that provides great information for ensuring robust growth.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

A
Alexandra
So far so good

Tree came well boxed had a few yellowish leaves, planted and so far so good its healthy and happy, its growing really fast. Multiple branches as requested. The tree came good size for the price.

Hi Alexandra,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re delighted to hear that your tree arrived safely and is thriving so well already. It’s wonderful that the tree meets your expectations with multiple branches and great growth—exactly what we aim to provide at a fair value.

If you ever notice any new leaves showing discoloration or have questions about care as it continues to grow, feel free to reach out; we're here to help keep your tree happy and healthy. You might also find our care guides and planting tips on NatureHills.com useful as your tree develops.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

C
Cloe11058
birch trees

do birch trees need lots of water or lots of sun most of the time? Answer from Nature Hills: Paper Birch prefer full sun but they will also tolerate some partial shade. The Paper Birch is fast growing and therefore will require a good supply of moisture.

Dear Cloe11058,

Thank you so much for reaching out with your question about Paper Birch trees! We truly appreciate your interest and care in providing the best environment for your tree. As you mentioned, these beautiful trees do prefer full sun but can comfortably handle some partial shade. Because they are fast growers, keeping the soil consistently moist really helps support their vigorous growth—especially during dry spells.

To keep your birch happy and healthy, we recommend watering deeply about once or twice a week, depending on your local climate and soil conditions. Adding a layer of mulch around the base can help retain moisture and keep roots cool. If you notice leaves wilting or browning, more frequent watering may be needed. We’re confident your Paper Birch will thrive with these steps!

If you ever want more tips or personalized advice on your trees, please don’t hesitate to contact us again. Thank you for trusting Nature Hills, and happy gardening!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

P
Paul
Fast growing

I live in a new development with several paper birch trees up and down he street. They grow fast and I am planting one in my backyard this spring for sure.

Hi Paul,

Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm about the speedy growth of Paper Birch trees in your neighborhood! It’s wonderful to hear that you plan to add one to your own backyard this spring— they truly make a stunning and dynamic addition to any landscape.

Since you’re planting a Paper Birch soon, a few tips can help your new tree thrive: these trees prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Also, keep an eye on watering during dry spells in the first couple of years — consistent moisture helps establish strong roots. And since they are susceptible to pests like bronze birch borers, regular monitoring can keep preferred treatments timely and effective.

If you need additional guidance as your Paper Birch grows, don’t hesitate to reach out or check out our detailed care resources on the site. We’re excited to help you watch it flourish and become a cherished part of your backyard oasis!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

P
Paul
Fast growing

I live in a new development with several paper birch trees up and down he street. They grow fast and I am planting one in my backyard this spring for sure.

Hi Paul,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our Paper Birch Tree! It’s wonderful to hear about the thriving birches already lining your street—there’s something truly special about a neighborhood graced by those beautiful, fast-growing trees. Planting one in your backyard this spring sounds like a fantastic idea!

As you get ready, keep in mind that paper birches prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil and partial to full sun. Mulching around the base and consistent watering during the first few seasons will help your new tree establish strong roots. If you’d like, we also offer guides and tips to support your planting and care journey.

We’re excited for the new leafy addition you’re welcoming into your yard and thank you once again for your kind feedback!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

J
Joanie
Bark color

I just love the white peeling bark. I wish I had room for more of them in my yard.

Hi Joanie,

Thank you so much for sharing your love for the beautiful white peeling bark of the Paper Birch Tree! It truly is a unique and striking feature that adds so much character to any yard. It’s wonderful to hear that you appreciate it so much—having more Paper Birches would certainly create a stunning visual statement!

If space is a concern, you might consider growing one or two in larger containers to brighten patios, decks, or smaller garden areas where you could still enjoy their beauty. We also have some compact or dwarf birch varieties that might fit more snugly into your space, if you’d like recommendations!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like help choosing plants that complement the Paper Birch or suggestions on care tips to keep yours thriving.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
Joanie
Bark color

I just love the white peeling bark. I wish I had room for more of them in my yard.

Dear Joanie,

Thank you so much for sharing your love for the stunning white peeling bark of your Paper Birch Tree! We completely understand how captivating that distinctive legacy can be—it's truly one of nature’s delightful designs. It’s wonderful to hear how much you cherish it, and while space can sometimes be limited, have you considered adding a dwarf or multi-stem variety if your yard allows? They can offer similar visual charm with a smaller footprint.

If you ever want tips on caring for your birch or ideas for companion plants that complement its unique bark and can thrive nearby, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to help you create a tranquil sanctuary packed with natural beauty.

Looking forward to growing with you,

Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

A
Annie
question

I have a tree in my front yard that we planted in 1974...it is now 18 feet around the base, and shades 3 houses. I have been told it is an American Elm, but when I type this in, cant find anything.

c
cloe11058
birch trees

do birch trees need lots of water or lots of sun most of the time? Answer from Nature Hills: Paper Birch prefer full sun but they will also tolerate some partial shade. The Paper Birch is fast growing and therefore will require a good supply of moisture.

Hello cloe11058,

Thank you so much for reaching out with your question about Paper Birch trees! You're absolutely right that these charming trees thrive in full sun but can also handle a bit of partial shade. Their fast growth means they do appreciate consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. To help your Paper Birch thrive, we recommend watering deeply at least once a week in the absence of rain, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist but not waterlogged. Adding a layer of mulch around the base can also help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

If you ever want more detailed care tips, our online resource library and plant care guides are great tools to refer back to. And, of course, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us anytime you need further advice!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual growth rate of Paper Birch Trees?
  • Paper Birch trees typically grow 1-2 feet per year under optimal conditions. In USDA zones 2-7, they're highly adaptable and easy to grow, reaching maturity relatively quickly. Plant in odd-numbered groupings or as lawn specimens for best visual impact.

Does the Paper Birch Tree thrive in urban environments or hot climates?
  • Paper Birch Trees are cold-hardy performers that thrive in USDA zones 2-7 but struggle in hot climates and urban pollution. These trees prefer cooler northern conditions and clean air to develop their signature white bark. For best results in warmer areas, choose a different species available at naturehills.com.

What kind of soil does the Paper Birch Tree prefer?
  • Paper Birch thrives in moist, well-draining acidic to neutral soil but adapts to various conditions. This hardy tree tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils across zones 2-7. Ensure consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, as birches prefer not to dry out completely.

How much sunlight does a Paper Birch Tree need?
  • Paper Birch trees thrive in full sun to partial shade, preferring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In zones 2-7, they're adaptable to various light conditions but produce the best fall color and bark development with ample sun. Plant in an open area where morning sun reaches the tree.

Is the Paper Birch Tree resistant to bronze birch borers, and how do I protect it?
  • Paper Birch trees are susceptible to bronze birch borer, especially when stressed by drought or poor growing conditions. Keep your tree healthy with consistent watering and proper care in zones 2-7. Consider preventive treatments during spring emergence, and shop healthy specimens at naturehills.com for the best start.

When does the bark turn white on a Paper Birch Tree after planting?
  • Paper Birch bark typically begins showing white coloration within 3-5 years after planting, with full white bark development occurring as the tree matures. Young trees start with darker bark that gradually transitions to the characteristic white with black horizontal lines. Be patient, as the most striking papery white bark appears on older, established trees.

What are the winter hardiness and cold tolerance limits for Paper Birch?
  • Paper Birch is very cold-hardy, thriving in USDA zones 2 through 7. This makes it one of the most cold-tolerant deciduous trees available. It can handle extremely harsh winters and is highly adaptable to various climate conditions within its range.

How do I care for a Paper Birch Tree in terms of fertilizing and mulching?
  • Paper Birch trees are low-maintenance and don't require regular fertilizing in most soils. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent moisture issues. Feed only if growth seems slow, using a balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Is pruning safe on Paper Birch Trees, and when should it be done?
  • Paper Birch trees should only be pruned during dormancy from late fall through early winter to prevent excessive bleeding. These trees are "bleeders" that lose significant sap when cut during active growth periods in spring and summer. Prune dead, damaged, or crossing branches while the tree is dormant for best results.
Back to top