River Birch
Betula nigra
Betulaceae
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