Birch likes to sprout in clusters along riverbanks and lakeshores.

Birch has a supple long-grain ideal for bows, skis and other flexible things.

Its smooth bark is layered like paper, waterproof, whiter than poplar and has powder on it to repel pests.

 

The outer few layers are very white, fading to pale yellow on the inner layers.

Like other white-barked trees, birchbark gets darker and rougher toward the bottom.