photo of Betula nigra

Betula nigra

River Birch

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River Birch is a large deciduous tree with pinkish-brown, peeling bark, which provides year-round ornamental interest. The dark green,...

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Description:

River Birch is a large deciduous tree with pinkish-brown, peeling bark, which provides year-round ornamental interest. The dark green, diamond-shaped leaves turn yellow in the fall. It prefers moist to wet soils, and tolerates periodic flooding. An adaptable tree, it will also grow in drier soils. Give this large tree with an extensive root system room to grow! Use River Birch as a specimen tree, or plant it in wet areas, such as rain gardens or along edges of ponds or streams.

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Tree

New Jersey Native: Yes

Bloom Times: Spring, Late Spring to Early Summer

Bloom Colors: Green, Brown

Deer Resistance: High

Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Birds

Salt Tolerance: Low to None

Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ

Grows in Special Ecoregions: Pinelands

Soil Characteristics

Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy, Clay

Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist, Wet

Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic

Light Needs of Plant

Optimal Light: Full Sun

Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water Needs of Plant

Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist, Wet

Drought Tolerance: Low

Size and Growth Rate

Height: 40 - 70 ft

Spread: 40 - 60 ft

Growth Rate: Fast