Description
Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) in Alaska can grow to be up to 60 feet tall most are around a foot in diameter but can grow larger. They are easily identified by their white bark with black accents. The flakes off and can be easily peeled from the tree.
Harvesting
Paper Birch is great for means of survival, the bark makes excellent fire starter. The bark is also harvested as novelty paper or a covering on some crafts. Paper Birch may also be harvested for firewood, and will burn nicely when seasoned properly. However if Paper Birch is left out in the weather the wood will rot, yet the bark is highly weather resistant.
Paper Birch may also be tapped for it's sap which may be boiled into syrup
Moose feed on Paper Birch throughout winter, the nutritional values are low, the abundance is high. It is also a diet of the snowshoe hare.
Habitat
Paper Birch are found throughout south central and interior Alaska.
