Betula nigra
river birch
Betulaceae
Plant Specifics
Form:
tree
Size:
50-80 ft tall by to 40 ft wide
Life Span:
long-lived perennial
Flower Color:
green,NA
Fruit Color:
Phenology:
Deciduous. Inconspicuos blooms in spring. Moderately long-lived.
Noted For:
Hurricane Wind Resistance, Fall Color, Interesting Bark
Landscaping
Recommended Uses:
Specimen plant located where the salmon-colored shaggy bark can be seen. Use for shoreline erosion control. Has been used for mine reclamation due to its tolerance of acidic soils.
Considerations:
Although native to floodplains, it is not tolerant of extended periods of flooding.
Light:
Full Sun, Part Sun
Moisture Tolerance:
Stays wet ---- to ---- Not wet but not extremely dry
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:
Unknown
Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:
Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray
Soil or Other Substrate:
Sand, Clay, Loam
Suitable to Grow In:
8A,8B,9A,9B
Ecology
Wildlife:
Caterpillars, Birds, Mammals
Larval host for Mourning Cloak and Dreamy Duskywing butterflies
Birds and small mammals consume seed.
Native Habitats:
River floodplains
