River Birch
Betula nigra · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Betulaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental, Shade Tree, Riparian Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Heritage (often multi-stemmed as seen here)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4 through 9.
About This Tree
A vigorous, fast-growing deciduous tree with an irregular, rounded crown and often multi-trunked habit. It is famous for its distinctive peeling bark and airy, fine-textured foliage.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, ovate-triangular leaves, roughly 2-4 inches long, with doubly serrated margins and wedge-shaped bases. Medium green in summer, turning yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
On mature trunks like this specimen, the bark is dark reddish-brown to gray and deeply furrowed into scaly plates. Younger branches show salmon-pink to cinnamon-brown peeling layers.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern United States, specifically adapted to riverbanks and floodplains.
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring with flowers appearing as catkins; enters dormancy in late autumn with yellow fall foliage.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; high water needs, preferring moist to wet acidic soils. Moderate drought tolerance once established but prefers consistent moisture.
Mature Size
Height: 40-70 feet; Spread: 40-60 feet; Fast growth rate; Lifespan typically 50-75 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly resistant to the Bronze Birch Borer which kills many other birch species; excellent for erosion control; produces sap that can be used for syrup; distinctive winter interest due to bark texture.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides seeds and buds for songbirds (chickadees, redpolls); acts as a host plant for Mourning Cloak and Dreamy Duskywing butterflies; provides nesting sites for various waterfowl and cavity-nesting birds.