Botanical Archive No. 004

Alaskan Paper Birch

Betula neoalaskana

This is one of the signature trees in Alaska. It has been used by Alaskan Native peoples for baskets, tools, artwork, and shelters. The bark has a natural oil, making it very resistant to moisture.

Archive record

Harvest

I harvest naturally shed bark when possible. Do not remove bark from living trees, this bark protects them from insects, disease, and the harsh climate here. I usually collect new leaves in late spring once they have fully expanded. Twigs can be collected from fallen branches or in the winter.

Grown

Interior Alaska lowlands and hillsides

Bloom time

May- June

Drying notes

Leaves air-dried on a flat surface, bark simply needs to be collected and put away from any moisture to dry out. Avoid putting it in sunlight, as it can make the leaves lose color and fragrance.

Storage

I separate the leaves and the bark into different mason jars. They usually last for up to a year.

Recipes

I've commonly used them in tea, simmer pots, infused oils, and bath soaks.

One very well-known tree in Alaska, the bark peels off trees and acts kind of like a thick paper. I've seen it used in artwork commonly. It is stunning in the fall and is super important for wildlife. It offers shelter and food for birds, moose, hares, and countless others.

These are one of my favorite trees up here. They are stunning in the fall because of how orange and red their leaves get, alongside the contrast of their white trunk. Its sap is super useful for countless things.