A birch … Yields a large number of tiny nutlets after female catkins mature, typically in May and June. 1) If you notice some of the leaves on your river birch have become thickened, distorted, or discolored in the last few weeks don’t be alarmed. River birch wood was once used for ox yokes, wooden shoes and other products around the farm. The river birch grows to a height of 40–70' and a spread of 40–60' at maturity. It produces flowers in the spring and winter, and small brown or green cones in the summer. The river birch tree often is used for landscaping due to its graceful drooping limbs and attractive color. The species is valued for its relatively rapid growth, tolerance of wetness and some drought, unique curling bark, spreading limbs, and relative resistance to birch borer. Develops a cinnamon-colored bark that curls and peels (once mature). Borers: Wood-boring insect larvae are a big concern for any tree, but particularly for Birch trees. … Wildlife, such as birds and rodents, eat its seeds, and deer eat its twigs and foliage. Karen Clark has been writing professionally since 2001. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Hardy in United States Department of Agriculture zones 4 to 9, river birch is the most widely distributed and adapted birch tree in the states. Beauty certainly is one of its attributes, but there are many others. A tree of floodplains and swampy bottomlands, this versatile species also grows well in drier soils. During their growing season, they boast glossy, medium-green leaves, making them ideal for use in landscape design. Its durable wood is easy to work with and is used to make a variety of items, including toys, artificial limbs and flatware. River birch is a fast-growing, deciduous semi-aquatic tree that reaches between 50 and 90 feet in height. River birch leaves and female catkin in fall. Rust is an infection that is often found in river birch and other types of birch trees as well. Introduction To River Birch Tree. River birch also is valuable as a source of erosion control and is used to reclaim areas with high soil acid caused by mining. View Map. Should I cut the branches with the caterpillars? Birch species are generally small- or medium-sized trees or large shrubs, mostly found in northern temperate climates in Asia, Europe, and North America. Produces brown and green catkins in April and May. Unlike other birch trees, this cultivar is resistant to bronze birch borer. Two of the most common birch tree species in the Northeast are the River Birch and White Birch. Margins are double-toothed and leaves are arranged alternately. But as a landscape tree, it can be planted almost anywhere in the U.S. Because of the natural appeal of its cinnamon-colored bark, the river birch is still a stunning tree during the winter, when most other trees have lost their beauty along with their leaves. Without pruning, it grows with several trunks. The small but plentiful seeds are appreciated by a wide range of songbirds. University of Florida Environmental Horticulture: Betula Nigra. This tree: Features glossy green leaves that are 2–3" long and somewhat triangular. River birch is a tough and adaptable native tree that is also a popular landscape plant. Works well for holding stream banks and keeping erosion in check. Features glossy green leaves that are 2–3" long and somewhat triangular. Its leaves turn bright yellow in autumn; in the winter, its showy silver trunk adds beauty to the landscape. These characteristic bark qualities provide interest in the landscape throughout all four seasons. Though the tree is susceptible to chlorosis in high pH soils, as well as to aphids, beetle borers, leaf spots and anthracnose, these conditions and pests cause minimal damage and are not a major concern. Pick up and burn all of the fallen leaves; and the next spring, just when the buds break out, spray with a … Many types of birch grow in clumps of two to four closely … Betula nigra is a deciduous tree growing to 25–30 meters (80–100 ft) with a trunk 50 to 150 centimeters (20 to 60 in) in diameter. I have a river birch tree in my yard. In the past week, I have noticed several branches with the leaves all skeltonized. River birch grows under full sun to full shade in highly acidic to slightly alkaline loam, clay or sand. It also is resistant to Verticillium. The foliage is eaten by deer and other browsers. It’s … When he once spotted it on a tour of the United States, Prince Maximilian of Austria called it the most beautiful of trees. The catkins of the River Birch are used by redpolls and pine siskins. Margins are double-toothed and leaves are arranged alternately. Though somewhat drought-tolerant, it grows best in moist soil and tolerates wet soil. A small red or yellow bubble will appear on the lower part of the leaf late in the season and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Fast facts and helpful tips about river birch tree care. Her work includes articles on gardening, education and literature. River birch (Betula nigra), also known as red birch, black birch or water birch, is native to the southeastern United States where the trees typically grow in thickets along rivers and lakeshores, as well as on floodplains, sandbars and islands in streams. Should not be planted in very alkaline soil. The colors of most birch tree foliage is some shade of green, with the leaves capable of … Hardiness zone: 4 to 9; Plant in full sun, tolerates heat; Best soil properties for river birch: Sandy to clay soils; Soil pH 4.0 to 6.5 Have your soil tested by the U of M Soil Testing Lab; Moist to wet well-drained to poorly-drained … River birch, or red birch, trees (Betula nigra) require planting in part shade. This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year. Produces brown and green catkins in April and May. The White Birch tree is characterized by its beautiful white bark (when mature) and drooping branches, whereas the River Birch tree has a brownish-red exfoliating bark and pyramidal to rounded crown. Ruby-throated hummingbirds drink its sap. So, too does the fact that they are resistant to bronze … The “National Audubon Society Field Guide to Trees” describes river birch leaves as being “nearly four-sided;” their irregular shape somewhat resembling that of a diamond. My question is what should I do about these? The river birch can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–9. Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. 1) If you notice some of the leaves on your river birch have become thickened, distorted, or discolored in the last few weeks don’t be alarmed. It will tolerate moderate flooding as well as some drought. I have attached several pictures. Yields a large number of tiny nutlets after female catkins mature, typically in May and June. There a three common indicators however that can indicate something wrong is going on with your tree. 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