River Birch

Tagged as: Salt-Tolerant Trees and Shrubs, Plants Tolerant of Wet Sites, Native Trees, Large Deciduous Trees, Butterflies, Black walnut toxicity tolerant, birds, Four Season Landscape

Botanical Name: Betula nigra
Common Name: River Birch*

Click on an image to enlarge.

Form	Winter form

Leaf	Bark

Height: 40-70' Spread: 40-60' Habit/Form: Pyramidal to rounded Growth Rate: M/F Zone: 3-9
Cultural Requirements: Full sun to part shade; moist to well-drained acidic soil, develops iron chlorosis in high pH; tolerant of temporary flooding; benefits with a 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch and supplemental water in dry periods.
Ornamental Characteristics: Attractive cinnamon-colored peeling bark adds winter interest; dark green leaves turn yellow in fall
Use in the Landscape: Native to Midwest; handsome specimen tree

Butterfly Caterpillar/larval Host: Tiger Swallowtail, Mourning Cloak, Compton Tortoiseshell
Nectar Source/Butterflies Attracted: Northern Pearly Eye (sap)

Birds Attracted: Pine siskin, great blue heron, goldfinch, scarlet tanager, grosbeaks, blue jay, sapsuckers, warblers, and many others
Plant Appeal: Seeds that ripen in October- November and persist through winter; insects on leaves; shelter; nesting site; sap

Aerial Salt Tolerance: Moderate degree of salt tolerance. Use in low salt areas.

Plant tolerant of flooded areas for extended periods of time.

Native to Illinois

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