River Birch

Growth habit

Tree

Perennation

Annual

Poisonous

yes

Location

Houston and Grossman Ponds, Bioswale Garden, Mullestein Winter Garden

Source of plant

Bailey Nurseries, Plantasia, Klyn Nurseries, Wayside Gardens

Description

Outstanding for the beauty of its bark and for its exceptional resistance to borers, blight, wind and ice damage. Bark ranges from light tan to cream and silvery white, and peels off in large, attractive sheets. Foliage is rich dark green, glossy above, lighter green on the underside, and turns a pleasing yellow in fall. A vigorous upright grower without the weeping habit common to the species, it attains a height of 45' to 50' (DS 202). Vigorous form with large, leathery dark green leaves and salmon-white bark; the closest thing to white that will thrive in hot climates (DS 9). A chance seedling found in 1968 (DS 529).

Memorial

yes

USDA Hardiness Zone

2

Special characteristics

bark, winter interest, fall color