Betula nigra 'Cully'(HERITAGE)

Heritage River Birch, River Birch

Betula nigra ‘Cully’ (HERITAGE®) — commonly called Heritage River Birch — is a superior selection of native river birch prized for its lighter, cream-to-salmon exfoliating bark, improved uniformity, and excellent heat tolerance. Compared with the straight species, ‘Cully’ shows cleaner bark color and a more refined habit, making it one of the most widely planted river birches in landscapes.

Key features
Width / spread: 30–40 ft
Height: 40–50 ft (occasionally taller with age)
Bark: Exfoliating; creamy white, tan, and salmon tones
Foliage: Glossy medium green; yellow fall color
Form: Upright pyramidal to oval; single-stem or multi-stem
Life cycle: Deciduous tree

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



Zone Low: 4a



Zone High: 9a



Landscape use
Specimen tree
Street and park plantings
Rain gardens and low sites
Large residential and commercial landscapes
Group plantings for bark contrast

Notes
Cleaner, lighter bark than standard river birch
Excellent resistance to bronze birch borer
Performs well in heat and humidity
Fast growth rate; allow space to mature
Minimal pruning; prune only during dormancy if needed

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

40-50'

Width

25-30'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Brown, Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Clay, Heavy, Loamy, Normal

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Clump, Upright

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No