River birch : grows quickly with plenty of shade
River birch (Betula nigra) is a tree that grows quickly and needs plenty of shade. It is native to the flood plains along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota.
This tree is well known for its attractive, peeling bark.
It can be planted as a single trunk or in groups with three or more trunks as a multi-stem tree.
The river birch is easy to transplant and adapts fast to many types of soil.
Description The bark of the river birch varies from cream to tan and golden brown, adding visual interest all year. The tree has upright green female flowers, called catkins, which grow 2 to 4 inches long. The female catkins stand upright, while the male flowers hang down in clusters. Falling leaves in autumn make it a deciduous tree.
River birch trees typically reach heights of 50 to 75 feet, but smaller varieties are also available. The width of mature trees ranges from 35 to 50 feet, with some cultivated types being smaller. When young, the tree has a narrow shape, but it becomes more rounded as it grows. The trunk’s bark may be ivory, tan, or cinnamon-colored and peels nicely. Leaves are bright, shiny green during spring and summer.
This tree prefers moist, well-drained soils but can handle wet or even poorly-drained ground. It can also tolerate some dry conditions and soil compaction.
Common issues with river birch include brittle branches and yellowing leaves, known as chlorosis. The yellowing often occurs when planted in soils with high pH, above 6.5. If the soil’s pH is not lowered or if iron supplements are not added, the tree can eventually die.
River birch is generally resistant to bronze birch borer, a pest that damages many other birch trees.
Check out “What’s wrong with my plant? – Birch” for more details on common pests and problems that affect birch trees in Minnesota.