Description
Type: Deciduous tree
Family: Betulaceae
Height: 40-70 feet
Spread: 40-60 feet
Native Range: Eastern US, statewide in Missouri
Ideal Site Requirements:
Soil: average
Water: medium to wet
Sunlight needs: full sun to part shade
Tolerates: Drought, clay soil, wet soil, air pollution
Landscape use: Shade tree, rain garden
Brief Description: Vigorous, fast growing tree found as either single or multi-stemmed. Rounded crown shape with single stem, more irregular when multi-stem. Attractive exfoliating bark provides winter interest.
Possible Problems: River birches are Missouri natives that are naturally adapted to the climate and are extremely resistant to birch borer. River birches have some susceptibility to aphids, leaf miner and iron chlorosis in high pH soils. River birches often drop leaves during the summer in hot, dry conditions but this is usually not harmful to the tree. Small twigs and branches often shed, creating litter problems.
Stand out Features: Very adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions, bark provides winter interest.
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Additional information
| Common Name | river birch |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Betula nigra |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Zone | 4 to 9 |
| Height | 40.00 to 70.00 feet |
| Spread | 40.00 to 60.00 feet |
| Bloom Time | April to May |
| Bloom Description | Brown (male) green (female) |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Water | Medium to wet |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Suggested Use | Shade Tree, Rain Garden |
| Flower | Showy |
| Tolerate | Deer, Drought, Clay Soil, Wet Soil, Air Pollution |
| Other | Winter Interest |
