River Birch

Growth habit

Tree

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

MA to FL West to MN and KS

Location

Houston and Grossman Ponds, Comstock Knoll and Rhododendron Collection

Source of plant

Schichtel's Nursery, Weston Nurseries

Description

Pyramidal to oval-headed tree in youth, often rounded in outline at maturity; the trunk is usually dividedinto several large arching branches close to the ground. Plants reach 40' to 70' in height (can reach90'), 40' to 60' in width. Bark exfoliates in papery plates, exposing the inner bark which is coloredgray-brown to cinnamon-brown, to reddish-brown; older bark becomes brown, and develops a ridged and furrowed character. Yellow fall color, seldom effective; leaves drop soon after assuming fall color.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

bark