River Birch

Betula nigra

The River Birch's' claim to fame is its wonderful peeling bark! It is very attractive as a landscape specimen with glossy green diamond shaped leaves that are silvery white underneath. In the fall the foliage turns a beautiful golden yellow in the fall. Even after the leaves fall, the River Birch is quite a specimen with it's interesting, peeling bark. River Birch thrives in hot, humid locations, (which make it great for Oklahoma) and can reach heights of about 70' in ideal conditions. Bottom line...the River Birch is beautiful in the spring, summer, winter and fall!

USDA Zone: 4-9

Light: Sun to partial shade

Form: Upright/Vase shaped

Height: Usually around 50'-70' in our area (Northeastern Oklahoma)

Planting:

Can be planted in spring or fall, either balled & burlapped or container grown. Ideal planting area is full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Care:

Water in hot, dry conditions, especially the first year or two after planting. It likes slightly acidic soils, but will adapt to about any type. Because of 'bleeding' the River Birch tree should be pruned in the fall.

Fertilizer:

Any all-purpose tree fertilizer will be fine. Follow manufacturers recommendations.

Special Features:

• Beautiful Peeling Bark

• Fall Color

• Fast Growing

• Tolerates Wet Soil

• Winter Interest

• Tolerates Hot/Humid Climates

• Listed by OSU in the brochure 'Deciduous Trees for Oklahoma'