Description
There are many species of birch native to the northern hemisphere. Betula nigra is one native to flood plains and swamps of the eastern US. It has a graceful form and attractive bark and it is frequently used in ornamental plantings in decidedly less moist conditions from which it originated. It is one of the very best fast-growing shade trees, valued as a landscape tree for the colorful exfoliating bark which is particularly noticeable in the winter. It is one of the most culturally adaptable and heat tolerant of the birches and a good substitute for pest-prone paper and white birches. Another appealing feature is the shimmering contrast when the leaves flutter in the wind, revealing a lower leaf surface of a different color than the upper surface.
River birch is a medium to tall tree, growing 60-80 feet at maturity and about 40 wide. Trees typically live 50 -75 years. The trunk typically grows about 2 feet in diameter but occasionally will be much wider. This shade tree has highly symmetrical branching and upright pyramidal to upright oval form.
