Betula papyrifera, or the paper birch, is a tree that is native to North America.
It is identifiable by its white bark, which peels away in thin sheets. The leaves are ovate and have a serrated margin. The flowers are catkins and are wind-pollinated. The fruit is a samara.
Paper birches prefer moist soil and can be found near streams and wetlands.
They grow to a height of 60 feet (18 m).
The best time to see the paper birch is in the fall, when the leaves turn yellow and red.