Description

Hut 3 An Ohio native, the river birch is a graceful, multi-trunked tree with an irregular, spreading crown of weeping branches. Glossy green leaves have a lighter green with a slivery tone underneath, and shimmer in a breeze. Satiny, silver bark peels on a mature tree to reveal a cinnamon-brown trunk beneath, providing interest throughout the seasons. B. nigra is monecious, which means the drooping brown male catkins and smaller upright green female catkins appear on the same tree. Male flowers release abundant pollen as the tree is wind pollinated. Seeds mature in late spring. Fall foliage is yellow. Prefers moist, acidic, fertile soils but also tolerates drier soils. Adapts well to heavy clay soils and will tolerate poor drainage. Avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Per the Arbor Day Foundation, B. nigra grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13″ to more than 24″ per year. Attracts birds. Height: 40-70 ft. Spread: 40-60 ft. Family: Betulaceae Bloom time: April to May Sun: full sun to part shade Water: medium to wet According to Rutgers University, Betula nigra is “rarely damaged” by deer photo credit: David J. Stang