River Birch is an excellent four season interest tree. With textured peeling bark, an often multi-stemmed habit, and yellow leaves in fall, this is a great landscape tree. Able to withstand some shade, clay soil, and wetter soils, it can handle tough conditions presented by many of our home landscapes.
Pollinator Type
Caterpillars
Plant Type
Deciduous tree
Zone
4 to 8
Height
30-70 ft
Spread
25 to 50 ft
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Medium Soil, Wet Soil
Bloom Color
Green
Bloom Time
April, May
Design Considerations
Fast growing tree that can grow in wetter and clay soils. Peeling bark adds a textural contrast to the landscape. Yellow color in fall is striking.
Care and Maintenance
Pruning if growing a single-stemmed specimen to remove additional stems. Larger specimens loose small branches easily.
Pest and Diseases
No major issues.
Establishment and Propagation
Transplant from nursery container.
Commercial Availability
Commonly available.
Alternative Plant Selections
Paper Birch
Native Status
Illinois native statewide.
Fall Color
Yellow
Growth habit
Multi-stemmed specimens are often chosen of this species for planting, giving a rounded appearance. Single trunk specimens can be more pyramidal in shape.
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
