Betula nigra

Common Name
River birch
Red birch
Plant Form
Large Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
70.0
Width (ft)
40.0 - 60.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Photographer: susandemsko
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: krisunger
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

May grow with multiple trunk (though crowding from that may shorten their lives), beautiful peeling bark. Tolerates salt, compacted soil and wet conditions. Medium to fast growing. Lovely fall color. Fantastic specimen tree. Use the straight species - cultivars such as 'Heritage' may be more prone to break. Roots are invasive - do not plant within 20’' of hardscape - and shallow roots - try to plant shrubs at the same time so they grow up together. Great to suck up water and reduce flooding. Beautiful front yard plant.

Habitat: lowland species mainly along streams, rivers, ponds, and swamp; also in abandoned fields on alluvial soils. Common in the coastal Plain and Piedmont; infrequent in the mountains.

Wildlife Value: Host plant for Mourning Cloak and Dreamy Duskywing butterflies and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Young twigs, buds, and foliage browsed by white-tailed deer. Seeds consumed by grouse, turkey, small birds and rodents. Birds and squirrels eat the male catkins in late winter/early spring. Plant NOVA Natives lists this species as particularly popular with the non-native honeybee

Flower Color
Gold/Yellow
Green
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Spring
Fall Color
Gold/Yellow
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Deer Resitant
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Top 30 for Butterfly and Moth Caterpillars?
Yes
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
413
Earth Sangha Inventory

Founded in 1997, the Earth Sangha is a nonprofit public charity based in the Washington, DC, region. The Wild Plant Nursery is the most comprehensive source of local-ecotype, native plants in the Washington DC region, and the region’s only facility dedicated exclusively to this type of propagation. “Local-ecotype” plants are propagated from local, wild, naturally-occurring populations and are well-adapted to local conditions and for wildlife species that depend on the local forms, such as pollinators. Inventory is updated on a weekly basis so number may not be accurate.

Pots Available Plugs Available Location Notes
638 0 Row 1 View My Wishlist
Carniola Farms Nursery

Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

In Stock? Notes
Yes View My Wishlist
Beloved Brook's Ruckersville Nursery Inventory

Nursery is open by appointment only. Email them to set up a time. This plant list if from the begging of the 2025 season and may be outdated. If there is something specific that you’re looking for, they recommend you confirm that they have it when you schedule an appointment

Pots Available Plugs Available Pot size:
Yes

Gallon

View My Wishlist