River Birch

Betula nigra

River Birch (Betula nigra) is a fast-growing flowering tree, hardy in USDA zones 4-9, that matures to about 40-70 ft × 40-60 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with high water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect yellow and green blooms in spring. It attracts butterflies, moths and small mammals, stands up well to black walnut, compaction and deer.

USDA zones

4-9

Sun

Full sun, Part shade

Water

High

Mature size

40-70 ft × 40-60 ft

Growth rate

Fast

Maintenance

Low

Soil

Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry, Occasionally-wet

Bloom color

Yellow, Green

Bloom season

Spring

Attracts

Butterflies, Moths, Small mammals, Songbirds

Tough against

Black walnut, Compaction, Deer, Drought, Fire, Heat, Pollution, Wet soil, Wind

Native to

Eastern United States