Tree with papery bark

BIRCH

["Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue:\n\n**\"This tree's bark is often used for writing or crafting.\"**\n\nThis hint subtly points to the birch tree’s papery bark without directly repeating the clue or giving away the answer. It also hints at the practical uses of the bark, which might jog the solver’s memory."]

The clue **"Tree with papery bark"** leads to the answer **"BIRCH"** through a straightforward definition. The birch tree is well-known for its distinctive thin, papery bark that often peels away in layers. This characteristic makes it a fitting answer to the clue, as no wordplay or puns are involved—it’s a direct reference to a defining feature of the birch tree. In crossword terms, this is a simple **definition-based clue**, where the answer is derived from a key attribute of the subject. No additional cultural references or hidden meanings are needed here.