Betula nigra (River Birch)

Betula nigra (River Birch) Details

Commonly known as the River Birch, this is a large, deciduous tree that will grow almost anywhere. It grows rapidly with a pyramidal habit when young and tends to broaden out with age, eventually reaching 15 m tall and 8 m wide. The foliage emerges mid-green in spring and remains this way until autumn. As autumn progresses the leaves develop yellow tones before falling. This tree grows best when planted in full sun on a well-drained site though will also grow well on poorly drained soils. It is tolerant of dry periods, cool climates, frost, humid environments, and moderate wind. The River Birch is well suited to growing as a specimen in parks and large gardens, for planting beside water features such as ponds and streams, growing as a screen or for shelter on heavier soils, or using in riparian plantings.