River birch | Betula nigra | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Birch
Family (botanic) Betulaceae
Planting site Residential and parks, Restricted sites
Tree or plant type Tree
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet)
Mature height 30-40 feet
Mature width 20-30 feet
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil, Wet soil
Drought tolerance Moderately sensitive
Other tolerances clay soil, Road salt, Wet sites
Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, early fall, mid fall, late fall
Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
Shape or form Pyramidal, Round
Growth rate Fast
Transplants well Yes
Wildlife Game birds, Insect pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Has cultivars Yes

More Information

Native Geographic Location and Habitat

Native to the eastern half of the United States, river birch is commonly found along rivers and streams. C-Value: 7.

Bark Description

An attractive cream and cinnamon colored peeling bark is an ornamental feature of this tree.

Leaf Description

The simple, alternate leaves are 2 to 3 inches long, triangular or wedge-shaped, with doubly serrated margins. The summer leaves are dark green with lighter undersides. Fall color is yellow.

Flower Description

Male flowers are held in long, slender catkins near tips of stems. Female flowers stand upright along the same twig and are inconspicuous.

Fruit Description

Fruit are elongated clusters of winged seeds.

Care Knowledge

Plant Care

River birch is drought sensitive and does not like hot, dry summers. Plants benefit with a 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch and supplemental water in dry periods. Birches are considered “bleeders”, so avoid pruning in spring.

Drought Tolerances

While river birch can tolerate some drought conditions, even mature trees’ leaves will begin yellow and drop.

Pests, Diseases, and Tolerances

Iron chlorosis is common in high pH soils. River birch is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, and leaf spots. Resistant to bronze birch borer. Tolerant of black walnut toxicity.

Cultivars

These plants are cultivars of a species that is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research. Cultivars are plants produced in cultivation by selective breeding or via vegetative propagation from wild plants identified to have desirable traits.

City Slicker® river birch (Betula nigra ‘Whit XXV’)

Dark green foliage turns bright yellow in fall. Good drought tolerance.

Dura-Heat® river birch (Betula nigra ‘BNMTF’)

Smaller, glossy, olive green leaves, with whitish, exfoliating bark, this cultivar is more resistant to aphids and has better resistance to heat.

Fox Valley® river birch (Betula nigra ‘Little King’)

A dense, 10 to 12 feet high, compact form that branches to the ground, this cultivar sports glossy green leaves and exfoliating bark. Introduced through the Chicagoland Grows® program.

Heritage® river birch (Betula nigra ‘Cully’)

Larger, glossy, dark green leaves with nearly white interior peeling bark, this cultivar is more heat tolerant.

Shiloh Splash river birch (Betula nigra ‘Shiloh Splash’)

A compact form growing 10 feet high and 8 feet wide. The foliage is variegated and has cream or ivory edges.

Summer Cascade river birch (Betula nigra ‘Summer Cascade’)

A weeping form that grows 6 feet high and 10 feet wide. It can be taller if staked.