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river birch

river birch

Betula nigra

tree☀️ full sun💧💧💧 high waterZone 3b – Zone 9b

A deciduous tree prized for its peeling, papery bark in shades of cream, tan, and salmon that provides winter interest. It thrives in wet conditions and is ideal for riparian zones or areas with consistent moisture.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
fast
Size
40–70′ tall × 30–60′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

low

Flood Tolerance

moderate
Zone 3bZone 9b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 3b to Zone 9b

pH Range

36.5
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 3 to 6.5

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium, Fine

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringFallWinter

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native to the United States

Native Range

Eastern United States

Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin

Function & Care

biomass/mulcherosion controlwildlife benefitwindbreak
Coppicing

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, cutting