Betula nigra Summer Cascade

Summer Cascade River Birch

Betula nigra ‘Summer Cascade’ is a distinctive weeping selection of native river birch, valued for its graceful, cascading habit and attractive exfoliating bark. Unlike upright river birches, this cultivar forms a low, spreading mound with arching, pendulous branches, making it a dramatic specimen for specialty landscapes.

Key features
Width / spread: 10–15 ft (often wider than tall with age)
Height: 6–10 ft (may be trained slightly taller when staked)
Bark: Exfoliating; cinnamon, tan, and salmon tones
Foliage: Medium green; yellow fall color
Form: Weeping, cascading; broad mound
Life cycle: Deciduous tree (ornamental form)

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist to wet, well-drained; tolerant of clay and heavier soils
Water: Moderate to high; thrives in consistently moist sites
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 4a



Zone High: 9a



Landscape use
Specimen planting
Water features and pond edges
Slopes and embankments
Japanese or specialty gardens
Accent plantings where form is the focus

Notes
One of the few true weeping river birches
Excellent resistance to bronze birch borer
Naturally low-growing—ideal where height is limited
Can be staked when young to increase height before cascading
Provides strong winter interest from bark and form

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

6-10'

Width

10-15'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Jonquil

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Normal

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Pendulous

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No