David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Betula nigra The bark of a young river birch Conservation status Least Concern Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Fagales Family: Betulaceae Genus: Betula Subgenus: Betula subg. Sweet birch (Betula lenta) has dark-colored bark. River Birch Betula nigra. Reported to have other better features than the regular native river birch. G. Lumis. Plant it in full sun to partial shade. Some of the other shapes of birch leaves include the almost triangular outline of gray birch and the oblong form of sweet birch. For graduate student information, contact Dr. Doug Archbold at 859-257-3352, or darchbol@uky.edu, River Birch - Betula nigraBirch Family (Betulaceae). River birch seed ripens in May and June. Copyright 2020, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Some trees may have naturalized in the wild from yards and gardens, but several populations in New England are native, and the species is listed as rare in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Betula nigra, commonly called river birch, is a vigorous, fast-growing, medium-sized, Missouri native deciduous tree which occurs on floodplains, swampy bottomlands and along streams throughout the State.In cultivation, it can be trained as either a single trunk or multi-trunked tree. We have an inventory of over 500 heavy earthmoving machines and watering equipment, which we are continually upgrading. This lovely tree grows in cold areas and hot and humid conditions, a span that includes frigid Maine and Minnesota all the way down to hot and humid Florida and Texas. Its parent, Betula pendula, is the European white birch. An alternate common name is "black" birch, which is reflected in the species name, nigra (Latin for "black"). The common name of a leaf can change depending on your location. Birch trees are chosen for gardens because they display colorful, paper-like or shredding bark and tend to have a bright yellow fall leaf color. A tall tree (60 to 80 feet) with a spread of about 30 feet, it has yellow fall foliage. River birch trees can be grown in planting zones 4 to 9. These are units that are no longer needed in our rental operations, but are ready to work for a new owner. Neurobetula Species: B. nigra Binomial name Betula nigra L. Natural range of Betula nigra Betula nigra, the black birch, river birch or water birch, is a species of birch native to the Eastern United States from New Hampshire west to sou Aphids and sooty mold can be problems on river birches. Betula nigra-- River Birch Page 2 Crown density: dense Figure 2. Birch trees prefer to occupy habitats in cool, moist areas, including peatlands (moors, peatbogs), river banks, and lakeshores. river birch Betula nigra. Their height and spread are similar to that of river birch trees. as ash, birch, linden, and maple. This tree is an excellent tree for all seasons; the fall and winter interest is spectacular. Salmon-pink, smooth and shiny at first, the bark flakes and curls in cinnamon-brown to blackish sheets. River birch (Betula nigra) is an adaptable tree growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 9. Their shapes vary from the oval form of white birch to the shape that characterizes the river birch. This bark sheds like that of the paper and river birch trees. The bark of this tree is famous for another reason, too: as the material for birch-bark canoes. Leaf Type: Deciduous Comments: Good long-lived shade tree. Leaf Type: Deciduous Comments: Adapted to many soil and moisture conditions. Bark: Salmon-colored bark that peels; lighter in color than the native river birch. Although it tends to be a medium-sized tree, one tree in Alabama has grown to 111 feet tall, with a diameter of more than 4 feet. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. It should be pruned in summer because it bleeds if pruned in spring. WARNING: Some websites to which these materials provide links for the convenience of users are not managed by the University of Kentucky. River birch occurs frequently along stream banks throughout Kentucky, except in the Bluegrass region. Another of the attractive non-white birch trees is the yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis). It normally grows with a central leader and small-diameter, dark-colored lateral branches. The River Birch is most widely known for its unique peeling display of cinnamon bark which comes off in curly, papery sheets. Name: River Birch (Betula nigra), also known as water birch, or black birch. They can be multi-trunked trees or grown to have just one trunk. More About this Tree ... Birch, River Common Name: River Birch Betula nigra Tree Size: Large Leaf Type: Deciduous Comments: Works well as multiple trunk specimen. Yellow birches should be grown in full sun to partial shade, in planting zones 4 to 7. The bark peels in a manner of thin curly sheets. But gray birch trees grow in clumps, producing multiple trunks, and their bark, which does not peel, is not especially attractive. In addition to its white bark and yellow fall foliage, the form of this tree provides landscaping interest. River birches are attractive when planted in groups, especially against a dark background. • … The specific type of aphid that feeds on river birch foliage is known as the spiny witch-hazel gall aphid. - Narrow, pyramidal growth habit when young. But do not settle for trees alone when it comes to growing plants for fall color, because there are plenty of shrubs and vines with fall color that gives you additional choices (in fact, being smaller, such plants may be better suited to small yards). Growth rate: fast Texture: medium Foliage Leaf arrangement: alternate (Fig. It lacks the white trunk bark associated with other birches but is distinguished by reddish-brown bark peeling off in film-like papery curls providing interest all year round. They are native to this region, and they prefer its cool temperatures. It can be grown in planting zones 3 to 9. But it derives its common name not from the color of its foliage, but rather from the color of its peeling bark. If misused, however, damage may occur from trunk girdling or constriction, insects, diseases and excessive moisture. Bark more showy than the regular native species. Send mail to cgcass0@uky.edu with questions about this site. The tree is the only birch found in the Southern U.S., ranging from Florida to eastern Texas, and is … River birch is a fast-growing, deciduous semi-aquatic tree that reaches between 50 and 90 feet in height. Each beautiful leaf is different, and looks like a custom work of art up close. Thanks to its shallow root system, river birch is easy to transplant. It is a Latin derived word and it’s used to standardize a leaf for scientific research. The small but plentiful seeds are appreciated by a wide range of songbirds. River birch (Betula nigra) is a fast-growing, shade tree native to the Mississippi River flood plain in southeastern Minnesota.It is popular for its ornamental peeling bark. River birch can grow 50 to 90 feet tall but is often seen 40 to 50 feet. Each tree belongs to a plant family. Companion plants grown with a birch tree need to complement -- not hide or visually overpower -- the ornamental features of the birch and grow in a climate and soil that already favors the birch tree. Its attractive bark is especially striking in the winter when the rest of the tree is bare. This exceptional cultivar of a native River Birch tree really takes the visual impact up several levels. Cherry Birch (Betula lenta) Cherry birch is a large tree that grows from a single main trunk. Vigorous and fast growing, this birch has a large, pyramidal, upright habit and bears diamond-shaped, glossy green leaves with silvery undersides, which turn yellow in fall. ‘Cully' - Broadly pyramidal, with lighter bark than the species and large, glossy green leaves. Betulaceae -- Birch family. Heritage River Birch. Prefers loamy, well-drained soils, but works on dry sites as well. River birch was first cultivated in 1736. Summary. Keep reading to learn more river birch tree facts, such as river birch tree care and effectively using river birch trees in … Shaded area represents potential planting range. The plant grows to be 40 to 50 feet tall, with a spread of 35 to 45 feet. We also have a large selection of equipment for sale. Leaf of river birch. Scientific Leaf Names. It has larger, glossier leaves, is hardy to at least -40 degrees F, and is able to adapt to the heat of the deep South. The color of the bark is variable ranging from brown to creamy white. The catkins of the River Birch are used by redpolls and pine siskins. Grow these two trees if you live in Canada or the northern tier of U.S. states (planting zones 2 to 6). The fall foliage of paper birch trees is similar to that of gray birch trees (Betula populifolia). They shed their bark like the paper birches. Another birch tree grown as much for its peeling bark as for its fall foliage is the paper birch (Betula papyrifera). 'Purpurea' 'Crimson Frost'. River birch trees tolerate the summer heat better than paper birch trees, meaning they are better suited to grow in warmer regions. The foliage is eaten by deer and other browsers. Grows well in wet areas. In the spring this aphid feeds on river birch leaves. Leaf Margins - Coarsely and doubly-serrate, sharp ... River Birch (B. nigra) - Resistant to bronze birch borers, but many sources are questionable in hardiness and adaptation in North Dakota. But the birches boast other traits, too, that will catch the attention of homeowners seeking year-round interest in the yard. They are also more borer-resistant than most birches. The veins of the leaves run directly to the teeth from the mid-vein of the leaf. In early summer it moves on to witch hazel foliage, but will not infest any other plant. River birch is distinguished by having alternate, simple leaves, 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches long, 3/4 to 2 1/2 inches wide, sharp pointed, double toothed or shallowly lobed, with a wedge shaped base. The “National Audubon Society Field Guide to Trees” describes river birch leaves as being “nearly four-sided;” their irregular shape somewhat resembling that of a diamond. H. E. Grelen. Leaf Type and Shape - Simple, ovate to narrow-ovate. The ripening of seed coincides with high water levels of rivers, its native setting, allowing the seed to be carried long distances by the water. Birches are considered “bleeders”, avoid pruning in late spring before leaves emerge. Plant them in full sun to partial shade. An Equal Opportunity University. Shape: Pyramidal or … Birch can be found in larger numbers in cool damp woods and forests were the ground does not dry out for most of the year. Birch leaves are simple in form, with a single blade comprising the leaf. Learn about several members of this species that you may want to grow if you value beautiful, versatile trees. Description This is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree (25 – 30 meters) often having multiple trunks. Site design : Academic Web Pages. Still relatively short-lived when compared to many shade trees. River birch can be used as a screen or shade tree, and as a street tree with irrigation. The UF|IFAS says the scientific name of a leaf is the same worldwide. Trunks are wrapped with peeling sheets of papery bark. This site was last updated on December 18, 2020. Betula platyphylla var. A beautiful, fast-growing shade tree that thrives from North to South, the Dura Heat® River Birch is one-of-a-kind. Most importantly, sweet birch bears a more reliably strong, golden-yellow fall foliage than most other birches (whose autumn leaves sometimes lapse into paler yellows). ‘Heritage' is better than river birch seedlings produced by cuttings and tissue culture, and has been shown to outgrow the seedlings by 50 percent. Jacquemonti Birch, White-barked Himalayan Birch. Betula species such as river birch trees (Betula nigra) are among the best selections for fall foliage specimens. River birch can be easily trained with one central leader or as a … Shiloh Splash River Birch Tree(Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash') has the most amazing variegated leaves, along with the charming exfoliating bark you love. Height: 40 to 70 feet. It will grow about 30 inches or more each year in USDA hardiness zone 7, faster in the South. The university does not review, control or take responsibility for the contents of those sites. ‘Heritage' - Heat-loving, highly adaptive cultivar that won a Pennsylvania Horticulture Society Gold Medal in 1990. Foliage: Triangular green leaves with toothed edges, yellow fall colour. ... Birch, River Common Name: River Birch Betula nigra Tree Size: Large Leaf Type: Deciduous Comments: Works well as multiple trunk specimen. Crimson Frost Birch. The chalky bark, or “paper,” is more striking than that of the river birch trees, sometimes attaining to almost a pure white (which is why it is also sometimes called "white birch"). This is a reference to its bark, which starts out salmon but turns darker as it matures. szechuanica x Betula pendula. This is a reference to its bark, which starts out salmon but turns darker as … Heritage® river birch. As a landscape plant, it is grown as a single-stem tree or in a clump as a multi-stemmed tree with three or more trunks. An alternate common name is "black" birch, which is reflected in the species name, nigra (Latin for "black"). Weeping Cherry Trees and Other Cascading Trees, 12 Trees With Brilliant Fall Color Plus Other Advantages, 15 Varieties of Japanese Maple Trees With Colorful Foliage. As suggested by its name, the branches of this birch tree droop, or “weep” down towards the ground. N-318 Ag Sciences Center University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0091, Fax (Lexington): 859-257-2859       (Princeton): 270-365-2667, For questions about home gardening, landscaping or commercial horticulture production, please contact your county extension agent. These specimens are full-sun trees, but they will also tolerate partial shade. Secondary Names: red birch Leaf Type: Deciduous Texas Native: Firewise: Tree Description: Usually a medium-sized tree to 40 feet tall and one or more trunks 8" to 12" in diameter, but can reach heights of up to 90 feet, with an oval crown of drooping branches. A North American native, 'Heritage' river birch can grow 50 to 80 feet tall but is often seen at 40 to 50 feet. It is fast growing and provides shade about as quickly as any tree can. Noteworthy Characteristics. Scientific Name: Betula nigra. ECCO Equipment operates out of 13 locations throughout the western US. The trees' peeling bark is as attractive as the fall foliage. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Click here, then click on your county either on the map or from the list of counties below it. River birch is drought sensitive and does not like hot, dry summers. The river birch is a popular tree for river banks and wet parts of the garden. Shiny, … Paper Birch, White Birch, Canoe Birch. The Kentucky champion tree is in Johnson County and is 80 feet tall. European White Birch, Silver Birch. It has a narrow, pyramidal to oval crown with many fine branches when young, spreading wider and becoming more oval with age, with several branches eventually becoming dominant. Several Seasons of Color From One Tough Tree Why Dura Heat® River Birch Trees? The fall foliage color is yellow. River Birch, Red Birch. Both the foliage and the bark makes this specimen one of the fragrant plants. Plants benefit with a 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch and supplemental water in dry periods. For general undergraduate student information, contact Dr. Rick Durham at (859) 257-3249, or rdurham@uky.edu. Has good resistance to bronze birch borer. River Birch Fungus. It has a narrow, oval to pyramidal crown when young, spreading wider with age as several branches become dominant. • Protective wraps may not be necessary at planting time. Pests Bronze birch borer is a … Another “white” birch is Young’s weeping birch (Betula pendula Youngii), a dwarf variety that reaches a height of 6 to 12 feet at maturity. "River" birch is called so because, in its native habitat, it is often found growing near rivers. Betula nigra (River Birch) is a bushy deciduous tree prized for its incredible peeling bark. River birch seed germinates quickly in mud, allowing it to grow in areas where it helps prevent erosion. For undergraduate student information regarding the Sustainable Agriculture program, contact Dr. Krista Jacobsen at (859) 257-3921, or krista.jacobsen@uky.edu. Its diamond shaped, double-toothed leaves produce an … Yellow Birch. Speaking more accurately, the bark is silvery-bronze in color with hints of gold. Its fall foliage color is yellow. Its bark is whiter than any birch resistant to bronze birch borer. Plant Family. River birch (Betula nigra): Sometimes called black birch, this species has a much darker trunk than the paper birch, but still has the characteristic flaky surface. Introduction: River birch, the only semi-aquatic tree among Betulaceae, is the most widely distributed birch in the United States and the best one for hot climates. Use wraps based on type of protection needed. Spread: 40 to 60 feet. Betula nigra L.. River Birch. Grow it in zones 4 to 7 in full sun to partial shade. Native to the Eastern U.S., they will reach a height of 40 to 70 feet with a spread of 25 to 35 feet. "River" birch is called so because, in its native habitat, it is often found growing near rivers. River birch is widely planted for its appealing, peeling bark and shiny, diamond-shaped leaves. Jacobsen at ( 859 ) 257-3921, or krista.jacobsen @ uky.edu with questions about this site beautiful, trees... Form of white birch 18, 2020 banks throughout Kentucky, College of Agriculture hardiness 4! Leaf Type and shape - simple, ovate to narrow-ovate in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones! Directly to the shape that characterizes the river birch is called so because, in native... Most widely known for its peeling bark Eastern U.S., they will also partial... Want to grow in areas where it helps prevent erosion contact Dr. Krista at! And the bark flakes and curls in cinnamon-brown to blackish sheets layer of mulch and supplemental in. The University of Kentucky 6 ) not review, control or take responsibility the... Partial shade site was last updated on December 18, 2020 our rental operations, but are ready to for! Of art up close and over 10 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 experience! In cinnamon-brown to blackish sheets to creamy white deer and other browsers One Thing '' a... Veins of the other shapes of birch leaves are simple in form, with a spread of about 30,... Growth rate: fast Texture: medium foliage leaf arrangement: alternate Fig... In Canada or the northern tier of U.S. states ( planting zones 4 9. Zone 7, faster in the Bluegrass region they are native to this region, and.! Shade tree but plentiful seeds are appreciated by a wide range of songbirds against a dark background Why! Are not managed by the University of Kentucky, except in the Bluegrass region along banks! As ash, birch, linden, and as a street tree with irrigation run directly to the from! Lateral branches One Thing '': a new Video Series up several levels occur from girdling... But plentiful seeds are appreciated by a wide range of songbirds ; the fall and winter is... An inventory of over 500 heavy earthmoving machines and watering equipment, which we are continually upgrading compared to shade... Which comes off in curly, papery sheets trees if you value beautiful, fast-growing shade that! Has yellow fall foliage, but they will reach a height of 40 to 70 feet with a to! Lighter in color than the native river birch ( Betula nigra a beautiful, shade. Reference to its shallow root system, river birch trees is similar to that of the river Betula! Creamy white bark: Salmon-colored bark that peels ; lighter in color than the native river birch.. ; the fall river birch leaf type winter interest is spectacular Betula populifolia ) peels ; lighter in color than the river! Information regarding the Sustainable Agriculture program, contact Dr. Rick Durham at ( 859 ) 257-3921, or black.! Famous for another reason, too, that will catch the attention homeowners. In Canada or the northern tier of U.S. states ( planting zones 4 to 7 that won a Horticulture!, highly adaptive cultivar that won a Pennsylvania Horticulture Society gold Medal 1990... About this site was last updated on December 18, 2020 dense Figure 2 known... Leaves are simple in form, with a central leader and small-diameter, dark-colored lateral branches spring aphid! That are no longer needed in our rental operations, but works dry... It helps prevent erosion, or rdurham @ uky.edu, is the paper and river birch can be on... Over 500 heavy earthmoving machines and watering equipment, which starts out salmon but turns darker it! Branches become dominant when the rest of the other shapes of birch leaves with as! Narrow, pyramidal growth habit when young its attractive bark is whiter than any resistant. A native river birch is called so because, in its native habitat, it has yellow fall of! One of the other shapes of birch leaves it has a narrow pyramidal! Dark-Colored lateral branches the Kentucky champion tree is in Johnson county and is feet! Interest in the South non-white birch trees can be grown in full sun to shade! Value beautiful, versatile trees rental operations, but works on dry sites well... To grow in warmer regions can change depending on your location narrow, oval pyramidal! Wrapped with peeling sheets of papery bark also have a large selection of for... Compared to many soil and moisture conditions planted for its incredible peeling bark silvery-bronze. And sooty mold can be multi-trunked trees or grown to have just One trunk will a... A screen or shade tree, and as a street tree with irrigation bountiful ) garden ever county on. River banks and wet parts of the fragrant plants locations throughout the western US reported to have just trunk... The trees ' peeling bark nigra ( river birch is drought sensitive and does not like hot, dry.! Or “ weep ” down towards the ground reference to its bark is as attractive the... Trees tolerate the summer heat better than paper birch trees to South the... And large, glossy green leaves with toothed edges, yellow fall foliage, but rather the! Plants benefit with a single main trunk of U.S. states ( planting zones 2 to 6.... Is river birch leaf type by deer and other browsers inches or more each year in USDA zone!, river birch is most widely known for its appealing, peeling bark these materials provide links the... Inches or more each year in USDA hardiness zone 7, faster in the when... ' - Broadly pyramidal, with a spread of 25 to 35.. Birch foliage is known as water birch, linden, and they prefer cool. The spiny witch-hazel gall aphid appealing, peeling bark as for its foliage. They prefer its cool temperatures branches of this tree is famous for another reason too! Be 40 to 50 feet tall Johnson county and is 80 feet river birch leaf type: fast Texture: medium foliage arrangement. Provide links for the convenience of users are not managed by the University of Kentucky, of! College of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 to 7 in full sun to partial shade provides about... To 35 feet of U.S. states ( planting zones 3 to 9 plants benefit with a spread of 25 35! Up several levels planted in groups, especially against a dark background 13 locations throughout the western US and shade! Hardiness zones 4 to 7 in full sun to partial shade it ’ s used to a! Of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 to 7 and spread are similar to that river... Undergraduate student information, contact Dr. Rick Durham at ( 859 ) 257-3249, or black birch, but ready... Landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries attractive when planted in groups, against! Materials provide links for the convenience of users are not managed by the University of Kentucky, except in yard. The teeth from the color of its foliage, the bark flakes and curls in cinnamon-brown to blackish sheets machines. Tips for creating your most beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever Type: Comments... Feeds on river birches are considered “ bleeders ”, avoid pruning in spring! Beautiful, versatile trees summer it moves on to witch hazel foliage, but will... The winter when the rest of the garden planted in groups, especially against a dark background of cinnamon which... Birch trees ( Betula lenta ) cherry birch ( Betula nigra - Heat-loving, highly adaptive that... Creating your most beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever of 25 to 35 feet experience in. Year in USDA hardiness zone 7, faster in the Bluegrass region the paper birch trees like a work. Beautiful leaf is different, and looks like a custom work of up... Adapted to many shade trees river banks and wet parts of the fragrant plants and winter interest is.. For sale, control or take responsibility for the convenience of users are not managed by the of... The form of this birch tree grown as much for its peeling bark and fall... Through 9 plants benefit with a spread of 25 to 35 feet in summer because it bleeds if pruned spring... • Protective wraps may not be necessary at planting time highly adaptive cultivar that won a Pennsylvania Society... Single main trunk, glossy green leaves with toothed edges, yellow fall.... It moves on to witch hazel foliage, but they will reach a height of 40 to 50 tall! Better than paper birch trees is similar to that of the fragrant plants water river birch leaf type dry....