Quick answer: Paper birch is a native tree for USDA zones 2–7 that grows 40–70 feet tall and 25–40 feet wide. It wants full sun, cool roots and moist, acidic, well-drained soil, and does best in northern climates. Buy this three-tree pack to plant a white-bark clump or grove with clear yellow fall color.
Why grow Paper Birch 3-Pack
- Native to the United States
- Seeds and catkins feed songbirds and grouse through winter, and the twigs and buds are browsed by deer and moose
- Bright yellow fall color
- Fast growing
Paper Birch at a glance
| Botanical name | Betula papyrifera |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Deciduous tree |
| USDA hardiness zones | 2–7 |
| Mature height | 40–70 ft |
| Mature spread | 25–40 ft |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Pollination | No second plant needed |
| Fall color | Bright yellow |
| Ships as | Dormant bare-root plant, 3 plants |
| Can't ship to | AK, HI |
Pollination
Paper birch carries male and female catkins on the same tree and is wind-pollinated. No partner is needed because it is grown for its bark and form.
Planting and care
- Sun: Needs full sun.
- Soil: Prefers cool, moist, well-drained acidic soil and tolerates sandy or rocky ground. Mulch to keep roots cool.
- Pruning: Prune only when needed, during the dormant season in late fall or early winter. Avoid spring pruning because birches bleed heavily.
- Pests and diseases: Bronze birch borer is the main threat, usually after drought stress. Leaf miners and cankers can also occur.
Step-by-step bare-root planting instructions
What arrives and when
Your Paper Birch 3-Pack ships dormant (no leaves) and bare root (no pot or soil). It may look like a bare stick with roots; that is normal for a dormant plant. Spring shipping runs March 15 to July 30 for all zones, timed to your zone. Fall shipping, November 15 to late February, is for Zones 6–10 only. See the dates for your zone.
We can't ship this plant to: AK, HI.
Covered by our 1-year warranty (store credit; terms apply).
Frequently asked questions
How many trees come in the paper birch 3-pack?
You receive three dormant bare-root paper birch trees, each about 18–24 inches tall.
How far apart should I plant paper birch trees?
Plant them a few feet apart if you want a multi-trunk clump look, or about 25–40 feet apart if you want three separate full-size trees.
When should I prune a paper birch?
Prune during the dormant season in late fall or early winter, and avoid spring. Birches bleed heavily when cut while sap is running.
How do I protect paper birch from bronze birch borer?
Keep the trees unstressed with mulch over the roots and deep watering during dry spells. Drought stress followed by borer attack is the most common cause of decline.
Does paper birch grow well in warm climates?
It performs best in northern climates and can be stressed by hot summers at the southern edge of its range in zones 6–7.
Plant facts checked October 2026 against: Morton Arboretum, https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/trees/treeinfo/paper-birch.