River Birch - Betula nigra Birch Family (Betulaceae)

River birch wood is hard, strong and knotty. Ox yokes, wooden shoes and furniture have been made from its wood.

River birch was first cultivated in 1736.1

River birch can be used as a screen or shade tree, and as a street tree with irrigation.*

River birch seed germinates quickly in mud, allowing it to grow in areas where it helps prevent erosion.

Characterized by scaly or peeling trunk and older branches. Diamond shaped leaves that are alternate and are part of an upright, spreading canopy. The silvery-gray bark when young changes to a pink-ish brown when mature.

References:
  1. Betula pendula. Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277818. Publication date unavailable. Accessed January 12, 2024.
  2. Do I have a River Birch Tree? Davey. https://blog.davey.com/do-i-have-a-riverbirch-tree/. Publication date June 3, 2021. Accessed January 12, 2024.
  3. https://www.pfw.edu/microsites/nativetrees/images/trees/o-r/full/river-birch-habitoriginal-01.jpg
  4. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0059/8835/2052/products/Heritage_River_Birch_6_1024x1024.jpg?v=1605225320
  5. https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.53bb9f45ef4d3a2604249d3a514b685a?rik=aMXDknyTJPjYKw&riu=http%3a%2f%2fwww.minnesotawildflowers.info%2fudata%2fr9ndp23q%2fpd3%2fbetula-nigra_4-7.jpg&ehk=oaRz7ZEdwjQVqMYYk5g%2f6rDBz%2f1FynX8zMu4ydl5ibw%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw&r=0
  6. https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/gB_nlvKNVp1wTiqg0SXeXnk-35M=/4288×2848/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/growing-river-birch-home-garden-3269346-04bc90ab2bb91c4d3d858d237030b22083.jpg