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Gerald L. Klingaman
Betulaceae
BETULA nigra
River Birch
River birch is a handsome, often multi-stemmed, fast growing tree that is native to the central and southeastern United States. Its most notable ornamental feature is its beautiful peeling bark that appears in mixed shades on white, rust-orange, gray and brown. Like other birches, it has elongated catkins, which appear in spring, and its medium-green leaves turn a dirty yellow in the fall. Its seeds ripen in late spring, much earlier than other birch species.
This tree is a wise selection for wet soil sites, hence its name, but can tolerate locations with drier soils. This species is more tolerant of heat than other birches and is resistant to birch borers. One problem with river birch is its tendency to drop many fine branches on the ground, especially after storms. In residential yards, the smaller maturing cultivars make better landscaping options.
9 - 1
4 - 9
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Tree
Full Sun, Partial Sun
40'-70' / 12.2m - 21.3m
40'-60' / 12.2m - 18.3m
Spring
Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, South-Central United States
Acidic, Neutral
Average
Clay, Loam, Sand
Wet Site, Pollution, Soil Compaction
Fast
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Oval/Rounded
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Yellow, Brown
Black
Green, Light Green
Yellow, Light Yellow, Tan
White, Copper, Tan, Sandy Brown, Ivory, Slate Gray
Multi-Color
No
Yes
Medium
Matte
Exfoliating
Feature Plant, Shade Trees
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