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

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

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.