ABSTRACT
Betula papyrifera occurs across northern North America, from Newfoundland to northwestern Alaska, from the tree line in the north southward to the northern United States, from Washington State to New York, with scattered populations in Iowa, Nebraska, the Dakotas, and on a few high mountains in North Carolina. The tree occurs in all provinces and territories of Canada, except Nunavut. Historically, North American Indians used paper birch for a wide range of medicinal and construction purposes. The bark is waterproof because of its high oil content. It was used for many items, including canoes, baskets, containers for food and liquids, shelters, bathtubs, clothing, kindling, torches, drums, moose callers, paper, playing cards, and even as a cast for broken limbs. Birch syrup is used like maple syrup, particularly on pancakes and waffles, but sometimes also to impart flavor to sauces, glazes, dressings, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
