Paper birch

The paper birch is the state tree of New Hampshire.  Although not the largest, or the most durable tree, these gems are all over the property in various levels of maturity.  Here are a few that are along our driveway.  Seeing a terrific line of these trees was one of our first impressions from the property.

The scientific name is betula papyrifera -- "paper bearing birch."  The shiny bark is an excellent aesthetic feature.  But don't peel bark off of a living tree.  This can cause issues.

The bark is a great fire starter, and the wood will do good things in the stove.

A very worthy specices for Hardwood Hermitage.

I remember one author who once wrote something like this:  "It is known as paper birch, or white birch, canoe birch, or to poets, the Queen of the Woods."