Betula papyrifera – Paper Birch

Paper birch, Canoe birch. This is the tree many of the north American Indians used the water-resistant bark of to line their canoes and make waterproof wrappings, torches, baskets, paper and roof linings. A large tree to 30m (100 ft) high with white papery bark, very hardy, with edible young leaves, shoots and catkins; the sap is edible and used to make syrup (like maple syrup), wine and vinegar. The timber is used for shoe lasts, veneers and plywood. Growth is 6m (20 ft) in 10 years. Extremely hardy. Stratification: CS4. Number of seeds: 100.