Product Overview
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Introduction:
The River Birch Tree (Betula nigra) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree known for its distinctive, peeling bark and attractive yellow fall foliage. This hardy tree is perfect for adding year-round interest to any landscape, with its unique bark providing beauty even in the winter months. River Birch is highly adaptable to wet soils, making it an ideal choice for planting near water features, rain gardens, or in areas prone to flooding. Its rapid growth and graceful form make it a favorite for homeowners and landscapers alike.
Plant Summary:
- Size: Grows to a height of 40-70 feet with a spread of 30-50 feet.
- Foliage: Oval-shaped green leaves turn golden-yellow in the fall.
- Flowers/Fruit: Inconspicuous green-yellow catkins in spring, followed by small winged seeds.
- Growth Habit: Upright with a graceful, spreading canopy and multi-stemmed trunk.
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained to wet soils and tolerates clay.
- Hardiness: Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
- pH Level: Prefers slightly acidic soils (pH 5.0 to 6.5).
- Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree.
- Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally be affected by birch leaf miner or aphids.
Pollination:
The River Birch Tree is wind-pollinated, with small, green-yellow catkins appearing in spring. While it is not typically grown for its flowers or fruit, the tree’s ornamental bark and graceful canopy provide year-round beauty. Its fast growth and adaptability to wet conditions make it a popular choice for rain gardens, riverbanks, or as a specimen tree in larger landscapes.
Key Benefits:
- Unique, peeling bark provides year-round ornamental interest, even in winter.
- Fast-growing tree that thrives in moist to wet soils, making it ideal for planting near water.
- Yellow fall foliage adds seasonal color to your landscape.
- Hardy and adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, including clay and poorly drained areas.
- Low-maintenance tree that provides beauty and shade with minimal care.
Care Instructions:
- Light: Prefers full sun for optimal growth but tolerates partial shade.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
- Soil Type: Grows best in moist, well-drained soils but adapts to wet soils and clay.
- Pollination: Wind-pollinated, with inconspicuous green-yellow catkins in spring.
- Growth Rate: Fast-growing, reaching up to 2-3 feet per year.
- Max Height/Width: Reaches 40-70 feet in height and 30-50 feet in width.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape the tree and remove deadwood.
Why You'll Love It:
The River Birch Tree is a beautiful and versatile addition to any landscape, offering unique peeling bark, rapid growth, and adaptability to wet soils. Its graceful form and yellow fall foliage create year-round interest, while its resilience makes it a low-maintenance choice for rain gardens, riverbanks, or as a specimen tree. Whether you’re looking to add shade or ornamental beauty to your yard, the River Birch Tree is sure to impress.
Planting Tips:
Plant your River Birch Tree in early spring or fall in a sunny location with moist, well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth it was growing in the nursery. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Regular watering during the first few years will help the tree establish a strong root system.
Flower Color:
Green-yellow (catkins)
Plant Class:
Deciduous Tree
Plant Name:
River Birch Tree
Shipping Details:
Your River Birch Tree will be shipped as a bare root plant, carefully packaged to ensure it arrives in optimal condition. Bare root plants are shipped during dormancy to promote successful transplanting and establishment in your landscape.
