Betula nigra
Linnaeus
River Birch

Betula nigra, River Birch, courtesy of John Campbell copyright.

The deicuous Betula nigra is hardy in Zones 4-9. It has a moerate to rapid growth in sun or partial shade, and it prefers moist, well drained soil. The tree grows to heights of 40 to 70 feet. Leaves are alternate and simple, with yellow fall color.

This one is easy to transplant, but should not be pruned in spring.

The primary range of river birch is the southeastern quarter of the United States from eastern Texas and southeastern Iowa to Virginia and northern Florida.

The bark is smooth on young trees, and is salmon to rust colored. As the tree matures, the bark develops papery scales, exfoliating horizontally with several colors (creamy to orangish-brown). More mature trees develop coarse scales.

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