Landscaping Notes:  Tips, design ideas, facts and figures about plants, materials, and features found in our area and commonly used in landscape design and construction.

You may be surprised to learn that the New Hampshire State Tree is the Paper Birch (betula papyrifera) , also known as the Canoe or White Birch.

Native to New Hampshire, the paper birch is found in all areas of the state and in a variety of landscapes and settings, which is why it was named the Granite State’s official tree in 1947.  It is a major species of northern hardwood forests and while it does enjoy full sun, it does not do well where the average summer temperature exceeds 70*.  Because it prefers cooler climates, the paper birch has been dubbed the “Lady of the North American Forest”.

As a sapling, the bark of the paper birch is brown, making it difficult to identify.  Then, when the birch is about 10 years old or so, the brown papery layers of bark peel off and expose the fresh, white bark underneath.

Common along roadsides, in wooded areas, and along the borders of lakes and streams, mature paper birch grow to an average of 50 to 70 feet high and in full bloom reach between 25 to 45 feet wide.  Paper birch have a striking appearance and are hard to miss with their chalky, white bark, especially against the winter landscape.  In autumn, their dark green leaves turn first to a rich butter yellow, then to a golden yellow, contributing greatly to our colorful NH landscaping.

The paper birch is a fast growing tree but only lives about 60 to 80 years, a short time compared to other species.  Its shallow roots often grow in sandy soil, and because of this are fairly vulnerable, often suffering damage from high winds and ice storms.   The paper birch has an excellent cold tolerance and will grow in USDA hardiness zone 2 and is rarely successful in zones warmer than USDA hardiness zone 6.  Regular fertilization, water, and pruning help the birch resist blight, insects, and fungi.  The white bark of these fallen victims is a popular decorative item for souvenirs, while the light-colored wood is used for furniture, wooden kitchenware, and even clothespins.

Sources:
UNH Cooperative Extension
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Michael A. Dirr
Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs, Michael A. Dirr