Birches are popular ornamental trees in the northern United States and in Canada because of their graceful habit and peeling, textured bark. Canoe or Paper Birches (Betula papyrifera) are most easily recognized by their white bark, which was used by Indians to make canoes and cover wigwams. European Birches (Betula pendula) also have white bark, however we do not recommend using the European Birch in the home landscape because of its serious susceptibility to borer insects. Paper Birches are strictly northern plants. River Birches (Betula nigra) are native to lowlands and along stream banks. They grow in the wild as far south as northern Florida and also do well on the west coast.