Paper Birch Tree
Betula papyrifera
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Paper Birch Tree - #3 Container Single Stem is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
Under $50 | $9.99 |
$50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
$100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
$150+ | $24.99 |
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Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Paper Birch Tree highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Fall Color
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring, Late Spring

Growing Zones 2-7
The Paper Birch Tree (Betula papyrifera) is a beautiful tree with particularly ornamental bark. One would be a handsome addition to your front yard where passers-by could enjoy its ornamental features year-round. It's a wonderful complement to other plantings and provides vibrant fall color.
As Paper Birch matures, black horizontal lines will appear to contrast with the white, adding even more ornamental appeal. The dark-green, lightly-toothed leaves turn a stunning golden hue in autumn, spicing up your yard before they fall to reveal more of the beautiful bark for your enjoyment during the winter months.
Paper Birch tree is obviously well-known for its showy white bark, unique to other plantings in your yard. The "papery" bark tends to peel, revealing reddish-brown bark underneath. This creates a two-toned effect that is simply breathtaking in the common landscape!
The gorgeous yellow fall color adds to this tree's many perks! The long catkins in the spring add pretty details and motion in the spring as they wave in the breeze and fall brings papery seed pods. Very cold-hardy throughout USDA planting zones 2 to 7, Birch are highly adaptable and easy to grow!
Landscape Application:
Paper Birch trees are the most widely distributed (east to west), of all North American birches. The graceful form and attractive white bark of Paper Birch make it a prized species for ornamental plantings and landscaping around homes and public buildings.
The leaves cast cooling light shade that won't shade out your lawn. Making Birch trees impressive lawn specimens, especially when planted on a berm or in odd-numbered groupings. Backyards benefit from these trees around your seating areas and over your porches and patios.
Birch Trees have many uses beyond the ornamental. It's well known as firewood that will burn even when wet, valued for use in furniture, and even used in Popsicle sticks. The syrup is often used as a delicious topping (much like maple syrup), and can also be made into candles. Can you guess why it's nicknamed "Canoe Birch"?
No matter how you use this wonderful tree, be sure to include exterior lighting in your landscape design to show this tree off all night as well! Point the lights upwards into the tree's canopy for an inspired nighttime setting.
- Dark Green Lightly Toothy Foliage
- Winter Interest & Ornamental White Bark
- Wide Variety of Uses
- Brilliant Fall Color!
- Casts Light Shade, Lawn Specimen Trees & Wildlife Groupings
#ProPlantTips for Care:
Paper Birch loves a cool, moist, north or east-facing site or where the sun does not bake the roots. Use a nice 4-inch layer of mulch over the roots for excellent results. Provide a well-drained soil location with regular moisture access. Birch can grow in many conditions but doesn't do well with drought. If needed, prune Birch after flowering to prevent excess sap loss.
- Protected Sun to Part Shade
- Well-Drained Soil
- Moderate to Moist Soil
- Prune Late Spring
- Appreciate Mulched Beds
A tree with unique ornamental appeal, and a variety of uses, the Paper Birch is a valuable asset for any yard, and will likely be one of your favorites! Order one today at NatureHills.com!