The River Birch is a fast-growing ornamental tree/shade tree that can be used in a variety of landscapes. The River Birch is known for it's peeling bark, which leaves a brownish-red bark on the trunk of the tree that is beautiful in the winter.

The River Birch will grow well in many different types of soil including moist, sandy, wet, clay, etc. The River Birch can also withstand drought as well as tolerate some flooding.


Characteristics

v Type of Tree:  
         Shade tree. Ornamental tree.  
v Light:
         Full sun.  Will grow in part-shaded areas.
v Soil Type:
         Moist, well-drained; sandy; clay. Some drought tolerance. 
v Size at Maturity:
         Large tree; 40'-70' tall with a spread of 40'-60' wide. 
v Growth:  
         Fast grower. 
v Lifespan:  
         Long lived; usually around 75 years. 
v Shape:  
         Oval shaped.  Usually puts out multiple trunks at the base.
v Blooming Time:  
         April-May 
v Flowers:  
         Yellowish-green catkins.
v Fruit:  
         An oval-shaped green/brown pod. 
v Growing Zones:  
         Zones 4-9 (Zone Map)    





                              















River Birch catkins, fruit, and leaves April 2009 (Pictured Above).  This branch was cut off and scanned to show the detail of the fruit, leaves, and catkins. Taken April 4, 2009.