The Paper Birch, located outside of the Catholic Center, University of Vermont campus.

The white or paper birch, known in the scientific community as Betula papyrifera, has become a most recognizable tree in the eyes of many, old and young. With its white flaky white bark and golden yellow autumn leaves, the paper birch has played a great role in the wellbeing and livelihoods of many generations. Often referred to as the Lady of the Woods, Native Americans such as the Abenaki of Vermont and the Ojibwe tribes of the north, used all parts of the tree in everyday life to sustain health and prosperity. Today, many extractives of B. papyrifera are used in modern medicine and oral care. The birch also showcases its ties to the lives of the Native Americans in many ways, through cultural and historical backgrounds. In many unexpected places, the birch and its extractives can be found, such as in chewing gum. Information about the location, features, impact on society and wildlife, and natural and cultural histories can be found on this webpage.