Buy Betula nigra

Also Known As

River Birch

Plant type

tree

size

H: 40'-70'
W: 40'-60'

planting zones

4a-9b

1 gallon | $21.4

Avail in US except West Coast, HI/AK

Fewer than 1 at Maples N More Nursery

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Betula nigra plant details

Betula nigra is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring flowers emerge. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - bright shade and even moisture water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Betula nigra

Plant type: tree
Plant family: betulaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 40 FT - 60 FT - wide, 40 FT - 70 FT - tall
Uses: fall color, peeling bark

GROWING CONDITIONS for Betula nigra

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Remarkable for its shaggy, pinkish-brown bark, this attractive Eastern US native also has distinct, diamond shaped, dark-green leaves on lovely graceful twigs and long showy catkins in spring (brown on males and green on females); this lovely 40-70' tree can be trained to be a single or multi-trunked specimen; easy-going, very adaptable and heat-resistant (makes a good substitute for paper birch in hot, humid areas). S/M-W

By: Forestfarm

River Birch is known for its beautiful, unique curling bark. It tolerates wetness and even some drought, making it a very easy tree to grow in most landscapes. The river birch is considered both a shade and an ornamental tree. River Birch adds visual interest to any landscape.

By: Maples N More Nursery

River Birch has quickly become the go-to species due to its exceptional heat tolerance and resistance to many of the pests and diseases that plague other Birches. As the name suggests, River Birch trees are tolerant of growing in wet and boggy soils and along creeks and rivers, however they will grow faster in normal soil with regular irrigation. If planting in drier soils it helps to mulch the tree occasionally to help retain some soil moisture. The bark is the most attractive feature of River Birch, as it peels away in paper-like sheets it displays various tones from salmon-pink to earthy red-browns.

Like other Birch species, River Birch is fast growing and requires very little maintenance. It is highly resistant to the Birch Borer, an insect which has wiped out large stands of other Birch species. Trees will typically develop a single leader but by pruning the tops occasionally you can develop a multi-trunked tree which are often more desirable.

By: Red Panda Nursery

The river birch, the native range extends over pretty much the entire Eastern half of the US. Tough, adaptable, and easy to grow, with very nice peeling bark in various shades of tan and brown. Longer lived with fewer disease issues than most birches. Excellent food for Polyphemus moth caterpillars what more can you want. Zone 4