River Birch

The River Birch (Betula nigra) is a magnificent deciduous tree renowned for its elegant form, distinctive bark, and tolerance to wet soils. This native North American tree boasts a graceful, pyramidal to oval-shaped crown with branches that cascade downward, creating a picturesque silhouette in the landscape. One of its most notable features is its bark, which exfoliates in thin, papery layers, revealing shades of cinnamon, cream, and salmon underneath, adding year-round visual interest. In spring, the River Birch produces small, inconspicuous flowers that give way to tiny, winged nutlets, providing food for wildlife. With its adaptability to a wide range of soil types, including wet or poorly drained soils, it is often planted along riverbanks, streambeds, or in rain gardens to help with erosion control. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, the River Birch requires minimal maintenance once established, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic landscapes, woodland gardens, or as a specimen tree in larger yards. Resilient against pests and diseases, this versatile tree promises years of beauty and enjoyment with proper care, enriching outdoor spaces with its graceful form, textured bark, and ecological value.