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river birch

Scientific Name: Betula nigra

Family: Betulaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NH (river birch)

       

Betula nigra: The River Birch

Betula nigra, commonly known as black birch, river birch, or water birch, is a fascinating tree species with unique characteristics and a wide range of uses.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the bark of the River Birch peels, and leaves shed. Monitor pets for any ingestion.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions the bark of the River Birch peels, and leaves shed. Monitor children for any ingestion.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Betula nigra L.
  • Common Names: Black birch, river birch, water birch, red birch
  • Family: Betulaceae (Birch family)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Eastern United States, from New Hampshire west to southern Minnesota.
  • Originally found along river banks in the South.
  • Grows in swamps and river banks of NE America.
  • The southernmost birch of the United States, making its best growth alongside bodies of water or in occasionally flooded bottomlands.

Ecological Role

  • The only semi-aquatic tree among Betulaceae.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A large, deciduous tree with the potential for growing to 25m tall (approximately 80 feet). May reach 30 meters (100 feet) in the lower Mississippi River valley.
  • Has a wide, ovoid crown and gracefully arching branches.
  • Leaves are alternate, simple, and double-toothed with equal leaf bases. Leaves are also usually shallowly and irregularly lobed. They are triangular green leaves with toothed edges. Leaves are 1" to 2" long and 3/4" to 1-1/2" wide.
  • Bark of young trunks is exfoliating.
  • Salmon-colored bark that peels lighter in color. It is multicolored and papery.
  • Often slightly leaning and forked.

Uses

  • Often used for landscaping due to its graceful drooping limbs and attractive color.
  • River birch sap can be fermented to make birch beer or vinegar.

Additional Information

  • River birch is perhaps the most culturally adaptable and heat tolerant of the birches.
  • Fast growing and highly adaptable to various soils and climates.

Further Information

  • Arborday.org offers information on size, height, growth rate, sun and soil preference.
  • Virginia Cooperative Extension programs