River birch. S. It is hardy in U. If there is a poorly drained, low lying area of the yard where other shade trees have suffered, that is the perfect spot to plant a river birch. org As its name suggests, the river birch naturally grows along riverbanks. Betula jacquemontii, or Jacquemontii Birch Tree, is an upright, pyramidal tree typically grown as an ornamental and known for its bright white bark. For example, yellow is used to denote yellow birch, while red is used to denote river birch. It has distinctive bark, yellow leaves, and winged seeds, and is used for reclamation, erosion control, and lumber. papyrifera var River birch is a great tree for any landscape setting. Department of Agriculture **plant hardiness zones 4 through 9a**. Grow Native! / Missouri Prairie Foundation. Find out its growth rate, landscape use, problems, and cultivars. susceptible. Providing adequate water, especially during dry periods, and maintaining overall tree health can help minimize leaf scorch and ensure your river birch tree retains its beauty throughout the River birch is a native deciduous, upright, flowering tree with cinnamon-brown, exfoliating bark and yellow fall foliage that tends to drop off the tree early and quickly. Betula nigra (River Birch) is a bushy deciduous tree prized for its incredible peeling bark. 4-9: 40-60 ft tall, 20-30 ft wide: Heritage Birch: Cultivar of River Birch. River birch should be planted in full sun in moist soils. As a member of the Birch Family, it is related to the Alders, Hornbeams, Filberts, and Hophornbeams, in addition to other Birches. E. It’s an attractive Growing and Caring for River Birch. It is commonly found in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of the Mid-Atlantic Region from Pennsylvania to Virginia. Susceptibility to Certain Diseases Aug 19, 2021 · River birch tolerates low soil oxygen, flooding, and clay soil, but needs moist conditions. In cultivation, it can be trained as either a single trunk or multi-trunked tree. River birch bears an average of 375,000 seeds per pound. Jan 24, 2020 · River birch tolerates low soil oxygen, flooding, and clay soil but needs moist conditions. Betulaceae -- Birch family. Betula nigra, commonly called river birch, is a vigorous, fast-growing, medium-sized, Missouri native deciduous tree which occurs on floodplains, swampy bottomlands and along streams throughout the State. Learn about river birch, a native tree with peeling bark and bright green leaves. Betula papyrifera, commonly known as the paper birch, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Betulaceae. , this birch is unfazed by heat and humidity. Keep river birch well mulched to conserve soil moisture and minimize late summer leaf drop. It is native to the Atlantic coastal states, southern states, the lower Midwest, eastern Great Plains, and lower Mississippi River valley. To allow them ample room to grow without overcrowding, plant river birch trees at least 25 to 40 feet apart from each other. org | Outreach or Educational Inquiries: outreach@moprairie. River birch trees typically have a canopy spread of 25 to 40 feet (7. Betula papyrifera , or Paper Birch, is a loosely pyramidal tree when young changing to irregular oval to rounded with age: It usually retains low branches and can be single or Mar 7, 2024 · River Birch: Highly heat and flood tolerant. Its fall foliage color is yellow. The male catkins are hanging, yellow-brown, and much longer than the female catkins, which are upright on the branch, green with red stigmas, and scaled. Betula papyrifera Marsh. Data Source. The bark provides interest during any season of the year. Also known as red birch, water birch, or black birch (15), it is the only birch whose range includes Dec 1, 2023 · The river birch tree (Betula nigra) is a shade tree with a quick growing rate of 1 ½ to 2 feet per year and native to the Mississippi River. The river birch may be the plant solution for a problem spot with wet soil or where water tends to pool, as it likes wet Betula is Latin for birch and describes a genus of about 60 species of deciduous trees and shrubs found in many gardens and landscapes throughout the northern hemisphere. Zasada. It is a good choice in regions where bronze birch bore is a severe problem. In the wild birch are pioneer trees, often living on the edges of the forest. This shedding occurs as the tree grows, allowing it to shed old bark and revealing the lighter layers beneath. Apr 20, 2021 · Not the river birch tree. Bark is distinctive: reddish-brown or grayish, peeling into conspicuous papery strips Betula papyrifera, commonly called paper birch or canoe birch, is a robust, fast-growing landscaping tree with a most attractive gleaming white bark, which peels off in papery strips to reveal an orange-brown bark underneath. Typical paper birch (Betula papyrifera var. Aug 15, 2024 · While the River Birch boasts a myriad of positive attributes, it is essential to acknowledge potential drawbacks to make informed planting decisions. Jan 7, 2023 · Pruning the River Birch Tree Pruning is essential for removing dead or diseased branches, shaping the tree, and promoting healthy growth. Pruning is seldom required, but do so in the summer if necessary. The paper birch is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 90 feet in height and 30 inches in diameter. Cinnamon-brown bark that peels off. This large tree is excellent for use as a focal point or shade tree. Heritage® river birch (Betula nigra ‘Cully’): Larger, glossy, dark green leaves, nearly white interior peeling bark, more heat tolerant. The blades have narrow tips and measure 2” to 4” (5 – 10 cm) long with a heart-shaped base. The tree requires an acid soil, otherwise it becomes chlorotic. Although river birch grows well in normal and dry soils, it thrives in wet environments. It is native to North America and is commonly found in cool and moist areas such as riverbanks, swamps, and wetlands. Betula nigra, also known as river birch, is a deciduous tree native to the Eastern United States. River birch is hardy, grows rapidly, but tends to be short-lived (30 to 40 years) in many urban settings, possibly due to inadequate water supply. Leaves are alternate, simple, somewhat triangular to egg-shaped, 1½–3½ inches long, 1–2 inches wide; margins densely toothed; upper surface shiny dark green, lower surface whitish, very hairy. The river birch tree (Betula nigra) is a shade tree with a quick growing rate of 1 ½ to 2 feet per year and native to the Mississippi River. Focus on removing any branches that are rubbing together, broken, or diseased. papyrifera var. Suitable for smaller spaces, better Aug 27, 2019 · River birch (Betula nigra): Sometimes called black birch, this species has a much darker trunk than the paper birch, but still has the characteristic flaky surface. Provides brilliant yellow fall A more heat and drought tolerant form of this species, with superior insect and disease resistance. Jun 7, 2021 · Home & Lifestyle Birch Tree Guide: How to Plant and Care for Birch Trees. The pyramidal form features dense, glossy green leaves that fade to clear butter yellow in fall, and striking winter bark that is a pinkish orange with prominent exfoliation. Feb 8, 2024 · There are many varieties of birch trees – paper, gray, yellow, river, and white birch – though the paper birch is perhaps the most distinctive, with its curling white bark. Colorful yellow fall foliage provide fall and winter interest. Introduction Birch trees (Betula) thrive in a wide range of soils and situations, and can be considered amongst the most amenable of trees for general planting. River Birch. White bark peels and flakes off. H. Learn about river birch, a native tree with attractive bark and yellow fall foliage. The river birch’s beautiful bark offers year-round beauty along with gorgeous foliage spring through autumn. They also prefer full to partial sun exposure, but can tolerate some shade. In its native environment, it The River Birch is monoecious; both male and female flowers exist on one tree, albeit not within the same flower. Morphology: River birch is native to the eastern United States growing from the northeast states, south to Florida and west River birch is a medium-sized tree with an irregular, broad, spreading crown. Description River birch is a fast growing ornamental landscape tree noted for its exfoliating flaky bark in various mixed shades of cream, orange and lavender, nice fall color, and freedom from bronze birch borer damage. Some trees may have naturalized in the wild from yards and gardens, but several populations in New England are native, and the species is listed as rare in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. It is lighter and weaker than yellow or white birch. river birch. Paper birch is named after the tree's thin white bark, which often peels in paper -like layers from the trunk. When planting a River Birch tree, choose a location with moist, well-drained soil. Curated and maintained by: USDA NRCS National Plant Data Team. It often has multiple trunks. Jul 7, 2010 · Paper Birch and River Birch are some of the most popular landscape trees. River birches are the most heat-tolerant of all the Betula species. 1. Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 6 min read River Birch (Betula nigra), the southernmost birch of the United States, makes its best growth alongside bodies of water or in occasionally flooded bottomlands. Box 200 Columbia, MO 65205 Phone: (888) 843-6739 | General Inquiries: info@moprairie. Because the trees use a lot of water, many shade-loving plants do thrive when planted under river birches. The foliage is variegated and has cream or ivory edges. Hostas are tolerant of the dry shade created by river birch. The tree is ideal for an acreage because of its beauty as well as the draw to wildlife such as deer and turkeys. ” River birch is known for its showy exfoliating bark all four seasons. River birch trees have no major pest problems. River birch is a good choice for the North or Central Florida gardener who wants a fast-growing tree. River birch typically reaches about 35 feet in height, with a network of fine branches making up a narrow to oval-shaped crown. The chalky bark or "paper" is more striking than river birch trees, appearing almost pure white (it is also sometimes erroneously called "white birch"). One of the major benefits of river birch is erosion control along streams and rivers. In warmer climates, such as Ohio and Iowa, river birch or Heritage river birch is often a better tree selection than any of the white-barked trees. It is not a cause for concern; in fact, it adds to the tree’s unique aesthetic appeal. Oct 27, 2017 · "'Heritage' river birch is an excellent selection with superior vigor, larger leaves and greater resistance to leaf spot,” said Michael Dirr in “Trees. River birch trees are relatively cold hardy and can grow in zones 4-9. Deciduous. O. papyrifera), also called white birch, canoe birch, or silver birch, and the other five intergrading geographical varieties, western paper birch (B. While these trees tolerate various soil types, they excel in soils with good drainage. Jul 1, 2023 · The clumping river birch grows best as decorative trees in garden landscapes where there’s wet soil. Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood. You’ll find river birch thriving in northern states, as well as Florida and Texas. Oct 10, 2023 · The River Birch’s peeling bark is a natural and characteristic feature. Find out about its characteristics, soil, water, and temperature needs, as well as common issues and cultivars. Vigorous and fast-growing, this birch has a large, pyramidal, upright habit and bears diamond-shaped, glossy green leaves with silvery undersides Betula nigra, commonly called river birch, is a vigorous, fast-growing, medium-sized, Missouri native deciduous tree which occurs on floodplains, swampy bottomlands and along streams throughout the State. The river birch is a fast growing tree, reaching between 40 Betula nigra ‘Heritage’ is a beautiful river birch prized for its incredible peeling bark. 6 to 12 meters). River birch is hardy, grows rapidly, but the species tends to be short-lived (30 to 40 years) in many urban settings, possibly due to inadequate water supply. Last Revised by: USDA NRCS National Plant Data Team. Grelen. To determine the appropriate spacing for planting river birch trees (Betula nigra), consider their mature canopy width. When sold as a landscape plant, it is commonly seen as a single-stem tree or planted as a clump with three or more tree trunks. River Birches are well-suited for both full sun and partial shade, offering flexibility in garden design. In USDA zones 8b and 9a, river birch needs regular irrigation to survive the heat. A member of the Betulaceae (birch) family, it is the only native birch that does well in low elevations of the south. ), mountain paper birch (B. These deer resistant trees have gained popularity due their unique bark and great yellow fall color. The most beautiful of American trees-that's what Prince Maximilian thought of river birch (Betula nigra) when he toured North America before he became the short-lived Emperor of Mexico (11). L. Pruning not only enhances the appearance and health of the tree, but it also helps prevent disease and insect infestations from occurring. In general, river birch trees prefer moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, but they can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. Situate the tree so it receives adequate water. When sold as a landscape plant, it is commonly seen as As its name suggests, the river birch naturally grows along riverbanks. Mar 22, 2024 · River birch trees often exhibit what is known as “leaf scorch” or premature leaf drop due to stress factors such as heat, drought, or certain diseases. Written by MasterClass. Safford, John C. Understanding the cons of River Birch trees allows homeowners and landscapers to anticipate challenges and implement effective mitigation strategies. Feb 21, 2017 · A fast-growing shade tree, river birch (_Betula nigra_) is the most widely adapted of the birch trees. Jan 19, 2023 · River birch trees are hardy, heat-tolerant, and attractive trees for wet or moist soil. The species is valued for its relatively rapid growth, tolerance of wetness and some drought, unique curling bark, spreading limbs, and relative resistance to birch borer. Doesn’t require as much water. Out of all the birches, the river birch seems to be the most adaptable and heat tolerant. Sep 8, 2022 · Another birch tree grown as much for its peeling bark as for its fall foliage is the paper birch (Betula papyrifera). Its bark is extremely showy and peels off in attractive sheets of beige or creamy white, and the leaves are triangular. It can grow in most regions of the U. commutata (Regel) Fern. Particularly attractive in the winter months, it has exfoliating bark in shades ranging from light taupe to cinnamon brown, with some cultivars displaying multiple Feb 14, 2024 · River birch tree leaves are relatively small, deltoid-shaped (triangular) leaflets with double-serrated edges. The river birch thrives in sunlight or partial shade in wet sites with moist, acidic, sandy, or rocky and well-drained loam. Find out its cultivars, care, and uses in the home landscape. The wood of river birch is used for firewood, pallets, inexpensive furniture, and novelties. 0. This species is a good choice for low spots and wet soils, such as near streams or ponds. P. Water birch (Betula occidentalis) is a small western US native that also grows along streams in the Pine Ridge of northwest Nebraska. River birch is an ornamental tree with dark bark and glossy leaves, native to the eastern US. Silver Birch, Bed Wen, Birk Tree, Common Birch, European White Birch, Lady Birch, Lady of the Woods, Warty Birch, Weeping Birch Betula pendula, commonly called silver birch or European white birch, is a graceful medium-sized tree with slender pendulous branches and attractive bark. Learn about its features, uses, and cultivation from Britannica's editors. Aug 15, 2023 · River birch trees are a beautiful addition to any backyard, but they do require some maintenance in order to look their best. Salmon-pink, smooth and shiny at first, the bark flakes and curls in cinnamon-brown to blackish sheets. They both bloom in early spring. Pruning in winter will cause the tree to "bleed" sap heavily. 4-9: 40-50 ft tall, 25-40 ft wide: Little King Birch: Dwarf cultivar of River Birch. River birch grows fast, and attains heights of 40 to 70 feet and diameters of 1 to 2 feet. The best time to prune river birch is late fall to early winter when the tree is dormant. If you want to grow this classic tree in your yard, collect and Betula papyrifera (paper birch, [5] also known as (American) white birch [5] and canoe birch [5]) is a short-lived species of birch native to northern North America. Can the River Birch thrive in urban environments with air pollution? Jun 22, 2022 · River birch has bark that peels dramatically in layers to reveal reddish-brown underlayers over bright white inner bark. While these features apply to most birch trees, the river birch has an advantage as one of the hardiest varieties. One of the most important aspects of caring for a river birch tree is pruning. Jul 10, 2023 · Learn how to grow and care for river birch (Betula nigra), a fast-growing deciduous shade tree with exfoliating white bark. There are a just few key points to consider when choosing the planting position. Shiloh Splash river birch (Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash'): A compact form growing 10 feet high and 8 feet wide. The white-barked trees are more likely to do well in cooler climates, though yellow birch, river birch, and Heritage river birch also do well in cooler areas. Another useful feature of the USDA map is the ability to zoom in and out of the map. Find out how to grow, care for, and choose cultivated varieties of river birch in Minnesota. Birch for winter interest The peeling bark and polished stems of many trees bring beauty to the garden at any time of the year, but are never more apparent than during the winter. You may notice that some yards have a single tree birch tree while others have clumps or multiple birch trees. The river birch is the best choice of birch trees for hotter areas. org. Learn how to plant, care for, and use river birch trees in your landscape with this guide. Facts. Paper Birch. Learn about river birch (Betula nigra), a widely adapted and popular tree with exfoliating bark and showy catkins. Data Documentation. River birch is widely planted for its appealing, peeling bark and shiny, diamond-shaped leaves. But as a landscape tree, it can be planted almost anywhere in the U. Betula nigra (river birch) Zones: 4-9 | Mature height: 40 to 70 feet The only birch whose native range includes the southeastern U. Both the male and female flowers are catkins. The birch leaves are identified by their prominent parallel veins running from the midrib to the toothed edges. The map also includes information on the climate and natural environment of each birch species, so you can be sure to find an ideal location to plant your birch tree. Birches ( Betula ), especially from the Himalayas, have bark in a variety of textures and shades of colour from dazzling white to milky-cream and bronze-pink to Planting Birch. . Bjorkbom, and John C. Betula nigra (River Birch, Red Birch) Noted for beautiful, exfoliating bark and multiple trunks, River Birch is an excellent food source for wildlife, supporting hundreds of species of moths, butterflies, and songbirds. Salmon-cream to brownish at first, it exfoliates to reveal a creamy-white inner bark that can almost rival the European white birches. ofmkrqbmhapiapzrznzwfamuctbjeplilqetguecwjkhcbs