A vigorous, fast-growing tree with beautiful, exfoliating, multi-colored bark. Can be grown as a single trunk tree or as a multi-stemmed plant. Catkins are beautiful in early spring (April). Fall leaf color is yellow.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
River Birch
Betula nigra
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Forest, Stream Edge
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr), Mid (May - June), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Yellow
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
40 to
60
feet
Spread:
40 to
60
feet
Size
Height: 40 to
60
feet
Spread: 40 to
60
feet
Size
Height: 40 to
60
feet
Spread: 40 to
60
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Plant as a specimen or in small groupings. Effective in lawns, woodlands and native plant gardens. Especially good for wet soils along ponds and streams and in low spots. This plant gets big so give it plenty of space.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Prefers moist fertile soil including semi-aquatic conditions, but also tolerates drier soils. Adapts well to heavy clay, tolerates poor drainage. Acidic soil, pH 6.5 or below, prevents leaf chlorosis.
Special Features
Interesting Bark
Special Usage
Rainscaping, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.