Betula papyrifera Marsh. Paper Birch, White Birch or Canoe Birch Native across northern part of N .America, where its waterproof bark was used in making canoes by Indians. Its wood was used in turnery, and as fuel. A decorative tree, often planted for ornament. Height to 18-21 m (60-70ft). Flowers open in March and April, the male catkins 10cm (4in) long, females 2.5-3cm (1-1¼in). Fruiting catkins are about 3.7cm (1½in) long hanging on slender stalks. Bark is shiny creamy white, peeling off in thin papery layers exposing pale orangey young bark underneath. On old trees it becomes much darker, cracked and scaley. Leaves are hairy, with black gladular dots on veins underneath, and colour yellow in autumn. Z2.