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River Birch

Betula Nigra

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Overview

The River Birch, Betula nigra, is a graceful deciduous tree known for its unique peeling bark in shades of cream, orange, and brown. Thriving in hardiness zones 4-9, it can reach heights of 40-70 feet with a canopy spread of 40-60 feet. Prefers moist, acidic soils, and is tolerant of wet conditions. Its diamond-shaped leaves turn yellow in fall, offering picturesque beauty ideal for residential and commercial landscapes.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, High, MediumZones 4–9Climate Temperate

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Extra in Summer, High, Medium
USDA zones
4–9

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Betulaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (26)

River Birch (Betula Nigra) — is a graceful deciduous tree known for its unique peeling bark in shades of cream
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — Thriving in hardiness zones 4-9, it can reach heights of 40-70 feet with a canopy spread of 40-60 feet
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — Its diamond-shaped leaves turn yellow in fall
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — Prefers moist, acidic soils, and is tolerant of wet conditions
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — scientifically named Betula nigra
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — offering picturesque beauty ideal for residential and commercial landscapes
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — adding exceptional visual interest
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — peeling bark that ranges from salmon-pink to reddish-brown
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — offers striking beauty with its distinctive
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — Its leaves are diamond-shaped to triangular
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — particularly in the winter months
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — making it a suitable focal point or natural screen in landscape designs
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — the River Birch possesses an elegantly pyramidal to oval shape
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — with a lustrous medium-green hue that transitions to a vibrant yellow in the fall
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — complementing the seasonal color palette.<br><br>As a moderately fast-growing tree
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — it can grow up to 1.5 to 2.5 feet per year
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — Betula nigra is adaptable, but prefers moist, acidic soils and full to partial sun exposure
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — particularly suited to naturalized areas or rain gardens
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — often naturally found along riverbanks; however
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — It is resistant to birch borer and tolerates wet conditions
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — Ideal spacing for these trees is roughly 20 to 30 feet apart to allow for adequate growth
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — tree for full or half
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — Its roots are generally non-invasive, making it an amiable neighbor to paved surfaces relative to other trees
River Birch (Betula Nigra) — is a graceful deciduous tree known for its unique peeling bark in shades of cream; its diamond-shaped leaves turn yellow in fall

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