Tree
River Birch
Betula nigra
Features
Strongly peeling bark in shades of cream, cinnamon brown and red brown; yellow fall color.
Culture
Full sun or partial shade; best in soils that are moist but well drained with a slightly acid pH; can tolerate sites that are wet from time to time; does not respond well to drought.
Cultivars
- 'Heritage'-excellent bark coloration, lighter in color than the species (more shades of cream and salmon).
- 'Little King' (Fox Valley™)-a dwarf form (15-20 feet tall) with good peeling bark.
Mature Height
40-70 Feet
Size
Medium
Large
Mature Form
Oval to rounded, usually multi-trunked
Native To:
United States (southern Illinois)
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Tolerance
Soil Compaction
Wet Sites
Wind
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Uses
Shade
Specimen
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Yellow
Pests and Problems
Animal Damage
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Insect Damage
Insect Relative Damage
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
Leaf miners are a potential problem.Highly resistant to bronze birch borers.One of the most trouble free birches. Iron chlorosis (yellowing) can be a problem when the soil pH is too alkaline.
Additional Notes
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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