Betula nigra

River Birch

Betula nigra — commonly known as River Birch — is a fast-growing, adaptable native deciduous tree valued for its attractive exfoliating bark, heat tolerance, and reliability in challenging sites. The bark peels in curls of salmon, cinnamon, tan, and cream, providing excellent four-season interest.

It is commonly grown as a multi-stem clump, but can also be trained to a single trunk. River birch is one of the best birches for warm climates and urban landscapes.

Key features
Width / spread: 30–40 ft
Height: 40–70 ft
Bark: Exfoliating; cinnamon, tan, salmon, cream
Foliage: Medium green; yellow fall color
Form: Upright, pyramidal to oval; often multi-stem
Life cycle: Deciduous tree

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist to wet, well-drained; tolerates clay and compacted soils
Water: Moderate to high; very tolerant of wet sites
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 4a



Zone High: 9a



Landscape use
Specimen tree
Naturalized plantings
Rain gardens and streambanks
Large residential and commercial landscapes
Urban and street tree plantings

Notes
Native to the eastern United States
Excellent resistance to bronze birch borer
Best birch for southern and transitional climates
Fast growth rate; benefits from space to mature
Minimal pruning required; prune only in dormant season

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

40-70'

Width

30'-40'

Hardiness zones

4–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Brown, Yellow

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Clay, Moist well-drained, Normal

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Clump, Upright

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No