Betula nigra 'Fox Valley' (Little King)

Little King River Birch

Betula ‘Little King’ (Clump) — commonly marketed as Fox Valley® River Birch — is a compact, multi-stem river birch selected for tight habit, attractive exfoliating bark, and excellent adaptability. It delivers the classic cinnamon-to-salmon peeling bark of river birch on a much smaller scale, making it ideal for residential landscapes and tight spaces.

Key features
Width / spread: 8–12 ft
Height: 10–15 ft
Bark: Exfoliating; salmon, tan, and cream tones
Foliage: Glossy medium green; yellow fall color
Form: Dense, rounded multi-stem (clump)
Life cycle: Deciduous tree

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist to wet, well-drained; tolerant of heavier soils
Water: Moderate to high; very tolerant of wet sites once established
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 4a



Zone High: 9a



Landscape use
Small landscapes and courtyards
Foundation and entry plantings
Rain gardens and low areas
Specimen or grouped plantings
Urban sites where full-size birch is impractical

Notes
Compact alternative to standard river birch
Excellent heat tolerance and strong resistance to bronze birch borer
Multi-stem form provides strong winter interest
Minimal pruning required; remove crossing stems if needed

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

10'

Width

9'-12'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Brown, Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Clay

Landscape use

Foundation

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No