Betula nigra
River Birch
General
River birch is frequently found along steam banks and other moist places. It is at home on poorly-drained to well-drained soils. Young twigs, buds and foliage are eaten by deer, seeds by grouse, turkey, song birds, and rodents. River birch is easily identifiable due to the unique coloring of its exfoliating bark.
Plant Description
River birch has a nearly four-sided, almost diamond-shaped leaf. Leaf base is wedge-shaped. The 3-4 inches long leaves are outlined by coarsely double-toothed margins with a shiny, yet dark-green upper leaf surface and a light yellowish underside. The underside of the leaf is densely hairy, giving an almost velvety appearance and feel, which extends to a lesser degree to its leaf stalks, newly grown twigs, and buds. The cones that form, called strobiles, release small, winged seeds in early summer: the only birch in the region to produce seed at this time of year. Young bark is salmon pink to brownish grey with loose, papery, curly scales.
Height (ft)
40-70
Spread (ft)
40-60
Soil moisture
Medium to high
Soil types
Coarse to fine
Wetland indicator
FACW
Shade tolerance
Full Sun-Part Shade
Bloom color
Brown (Male) or Green (Female)
Bloom period
Mid spring
Fall conspicuous
Yes (Dull Yellow)
Anaerobic tolerance
Medium
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
None
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
River valleys of the Northeast to widespread riparian habitats in the South and Southeast. For distribution map, click: http://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Betula%20nigra.png
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the leaves have been chewed to treat symptoms related to dysentery. An infusion of this species used to help with colds and an infusion of the bark taken for stomach pain.