Home Prairie and Wetland Center
16245 S US Hwy 71
Belton, MO 64012
Tel: (816) 331-9738
Fax: (816) 331-9739

Betula nigra

River Birch

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Betula nigra (River Birch)

A moderate to slow-growing, medium-sized tree with beautiful, exfoliating, reddish-brown to silvery-gray bark. Can be grown with a single trunk or as a multi-stemmed tree. The leaves cast a light, dappled shade and the fall leaf color is yellow. Normally found in lowlands, River Birch planted in deep, rich soils will develop best, but it will also grow in clay soils. Whitetail deer browse the young twigs and buds, while turkey, quail, songbirds and small mammals eat the tiny, abundant seeds.

Additional Information:


Height
40-70 Feet

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Spread
40-60 Feet

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USDA Hardiness Zone 4-9

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Good Companions
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica), Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

FACW

Season of Interest

Mid (May-June)
Winter (Nov-Mar)
Late (July-frost)
Early (Feb-Apr)

Soil Moisture

High
Moderate

Sun Exposure

Medium Sun/Average Shade
Full Sun

USFS MO Ecological Map

Wildlife Benefit

Nesting