River Birch

(Betula nigra)

Interesting Information About Plant:

     The river birch is by far the most adaptable birch species for North-South landscapes.  Although it is not drought tolerant, it still has a high heat tolerance.  River birch is best adapted to moist soils and is most likely found in nature on the banks of streams or swampy bottomlands, which are both areas of frequent flooding.  Also, this species is becoming very popular among estates, parks, college campuses, and golf courses due to its handsome bark character.  These different landscapes are usually wet for a portion of the year, but still can be fairly dry during the summer and fall months.  In addition, the river birch is the most trouble-free member of the Betulaceae family.  It is resistant of several diseases and insects due to its lack of the chemical borer attractant, rhododedrol. 

Scientific Name: Betula nigra

Family Name (Scientific and Common): Betulaceae  (Birch Family)

Continent of Origin: North America

Plant Growth Habit: Tree

Height at Maturity: More than 10 Feet

Life Span: Perennial

Seasonal Habit: Deciduous Perennial

Growth Habitat: Full Sun 

Manner of Culture: Native Species 

Thorns on Younger Stem: No

Cross Section of Younger Stem: Roundish   

Stem (or Trunk) Diameter: More Than The Diameter of a Coffee-Mug 

Produces Brownish Bark: Yes  

Bark Peeling in Many Areas: Yes  

Characteristics of Mature (Brownish) Bark: Patchy Bark

Type of Leaf: Flat, Thin Leaf  

Length of Leaf (or Leaflet): Less than Length of a Credit Card 

Leaf Complexity: Simple 

Edge of Leaf: Serrated

Leaf Arrangement: Alternate 

Leaf has Petiole: Yes 

Patterns of Main-Veins on Leaf (or Leaflet): Pinnate 

Leaf Hairiness: No Hairs

Color of Foliage in Summer: Green 

Change in Color of Foliage in October: Changes to Yellow   

Flowering Season: Spring 

Flowers: in Loose Group   

Type of Flower: Like a Grass Flower 

Color of Flower: Dark Brown

Shape of Individual Flower: Other

Size of Individual Flower: Between a Quarter and the Length of a Credit Card  

Sexuality: Male and Female Flowers on Separate Plants   

Size of Fruit: Smaller than a Quarter 

Fruit Fleshiness: Dry

Shape of Fruit: Small nutlet    

Color of Fruit at Maturity: Green   

Fruit Desirable to Birds or Squirrels: No   

Common Name(s): River Birch; Red Birch              

Louisville Plants That Are Most Easily Confused With This One: Cherry Birch

Unique Morphological Features of Plant: Sheds inner bark / Leaf spots

Poisonous: None of Plant

Pestiness (weedy, hard to control): No

Page prepared by: 

Drew Duerson                                    

November 2004