Betula nigra
Common name: River Birch
A fast-growing birch (up to 3 feet per year) with exfoliating cinnamon to brown bark. Best planted in groups on wet to moist soil with pH of 6.5. As birch is very drought-sensitive, you might try planting it near a downspout. Can be single or multi-stem. Requires full sun. Time and time again I see this plant being misused. High and dry with high pH soils will kill this tree. On the Kankakee River, River Birch sits in water for over a month or two.
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Plant Details
Plant type
Trees
Soil type
Moist Mesic, Wet
Light exposure
Eastern Exposure / Morning Sun, Full Sun
Bloom period
Spring
Urban environment
Uncompacted Urban Soils, Compacted/New Construction Soils, Yards that Flood
Habitat
Floodplain, Moist Woods, Savannas, Wetlands
Growth form
Single trunk
Growth rate
Fast
Flower color
Yellowish Catkin
Fall color
Yellow
Size
- Mature height
- 30 Feet
- Mature width
- 20 Feet
- Max height
- 50 Feet
- Max width
- 40 Feet
Additional information
Butterfly host plant Great for Screening/Border Plantings Loved by birds
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