River Birch Tree - Betula nigra

The River Birch Tree will make a stunning statement in your yard. This is a deciduous tree with distinctive, exfoliating bark and an elegant stature.

Plant Details - River Birch Tree

Family: Betulaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 25 – 40 ft.

Spread: 20 – 30 ft.

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: Brown

Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies, birds

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - River Birch Tree

River Birch Tree is a beautiful and deciduous, multi trunked tree that is recognized by its naturally exfoliating bark. It is native to the southern states.

This is a tree that grows fast and will make an impact on your landscape quickly. Plant in a park or garden, or along a stream. This is a great tree for creating a shade garden, Asian inspired garden, or as a focal point in an ornamental garden.

Plant this tree in a location that has full sun to partial shade. Planting it in full sun will allow it to grow quickly.

Its leaves are green and are diamond shaped. This tree will produce two types of small catkins from late winter to early spring. Both catkins are inconspicuous.

As its name suggests, this tree grows well in wet sites. Make sure to water deeply and routinely if you plant this tree in a drier site. Water it thoroughly when first planted until it is well established.

This tree can tolerate many types of soil, including clay as it holds more moisture, and will tolerate flooding. It prefers acidic soil.

This tree will attract lots of wildlife to your landscape, including pollinators, birds and small mammals.

Having some deer problems? This is a deer resistant tree.

Watch this tree for signs of chlorosis or bark borers.

Noteworthy Characteristics

River Birch Tree has beautiful, red brown exfoliating bark.

Since this tree is able to grow in wet sites, it is a great option for erosion control.

Plant them and they will come! This native tree will attract many butterflies to your yard. It is a host plant for the Mourning Cloak butterfly and Dreamy Duskywing butterfly.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

River Birch trees thrive in well-drained, moist soil. They need regular watering, particularly during dry years, and mulch the base to keep moisture. They are pruned in late winter to hold the body and remove damaged branches. They are relatively low-maintenance and hardy.

Plant Reproduction

River Birch Tree spreads through wind-dispersed seeds and root sprouts.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

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