Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) vs. European White Birch (Betula pendula)
Updated July 28th, 2020These two closely-related species are easily confused, as both have white bark that can peel. In most cases mature trees can be easily distinguished by characteristics of bark and leaf shape. Fruiting bodies are an even more definitive way to tell these trees apart. However, due to hybridization and a high amount of variability, it may not be possible to identify all individual trees.
