RENAISSANCE REFLECTION® paper birch

The Renaissance Reflection® birch is a tall, fast-growing tree with striking bark that displays dark green foliage throughout the season, transitioning to a golden color in the fall. This tree is resistant to bronze birch borer (BBB) but does not do well when exposed to drought or polluted conditions. This plant is a cultivar of a species that is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.

Family (English) Birch
Family (botanic) Betulaceae
Planting site Residential and parks
Tree or plant type Tree
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature height 50-70 feet
Mature width 20-25 feet
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Road salt, Wet sites
Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, early fall, mid fall, late fall
Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
Shape or form Pyramidal, Vase-shaped
Growth rate Fast
Transplants well Yes
Planting considerations Intolerant of pollution
Has cultivars NA

Native geographic location and habitat:

Renaissance Reflection® paper birch is a cultivated variety of a native species.

Bark color and texture:

Bark is very white, but does not peel much. Long, black lenticels and V-shaped black marks at branch connections are prominent on this species as it ages.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

The simple, alternate leaves are 2 to 4 inches long. They are dark green, oval-shaped, and have doubly-serrated margins. Leaves are dark green in summer, changing to yellow in fall.