River birch is well named as it loves wet zones, adapts well to wet sites and reaches its maximum size in rich alluvial soils of the lower Mississippi Valley. However, the tree is very heat-tolerant and can survive modest droughts. River birch transplants easily at any age and grows into a medium tree of about 60'. They are well known for their beautiful bark, which can dominate any landscape in the dormant season.
Plant Profile | |
Botanical Name | Betula nana |
Features | River birch is well named as it loves wet zones, adapts well to wet sites and reaches its maximum size in rich alluvial soils of the lower Mississippi Valley. However, the tree is very heat-tolerant and can survive modest droughts. River birch transplants easily at any age and grows into a medium tree of about 60'. They are well known for their beautiful bark, which can dominate any landscape in the dormant season. |
Exposure | Full sun |
Hardiness Zone | Zones 4-9 |
Mature Size | 60' Tall, 40' Wide |
Genus Description | Betula (birch) is a genus of about 60 species of deciduous trees and shrubs found in diverse habitats, including woodland, moors, mountains, and heathland, throughout the N. hemisphere. Leaves are alternate, toothed, usually ovate, and mid- to dark green. Male and female flowers are borne in separate catkins on the same plant in spring, the male catkins are usually yellow-brown, pendent, and longer than the females, which are erect at first, becoming pendent. Birches are grown for their ornamental bark, colorful autumn foliage, attractive male catkins, and graceful, open habit. Many are suitable for a small garden, either as isolated specimens or in small groups. The nigra specie (black birch or river birch) is a conical to spreading tree with shaggy, red-brown bark, peeling in layers when young, becoming blackish or gray-white and fissured on old trees. Diamond-shaped, glossy, mid- to dark green leaves, to 3in long, glaucous beneath, turn yellow in autumn. Bears yellow-brown male catkins, to 3in long, in early spring. |
Care Tips | |
Cultivation | Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light, dappled shade. If pruning is needed, remove wayward or crossing shoots to maintain permanent, healthy framework. Prune in late winter or early spring, when dormant; some in late summer or early autumn to prevent bleeding of sap. |
Pests and Diseases | Canker and twig dieback are caused by many different fungi. Susceptible to leaf spots, viruses, anthracnose, rust, and wood-rotting fungi. Borers (especially bronze birch borer), leaf miners, aphids, skeletonizers, leafhoppers, and caterpillars, including gypsy moth larvae, may occur. |
River Birch
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$29.00
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Tags: river birch betula nigra