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Mature Size
The river birch grows to a height of 40–70' and a spread of 40–60' at maturity.
Growth Rate
This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year.
Sun Preference
Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
River Birch B&B
Soil Preference
The river birch grows well in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. It will tolerate moderate flooding as well as some drought.
Attributes
This tree:
- Features glossy green leaves that are 2–3" long and somewhat triangular. Margins are double-toothed and leaves are arranged alternately.
- Produces brown and green catkins in April and May.
- Yields a large number of tiny nutlets after female catkins mature, typically in May and June.
- Develops a cinnamon-colored bark that curls and peels (once mature).
- Can grow as either a single- or multi-stemmed tree.
- Is the most borer-resistant birch.
- Works well for holding stream banks and keeping erosion in check.
- Grows in an oval shape.
- Should not be planted in very alkaline soil.
Wildlife Value
The catkins of the River Birch are used by redpolls and pine siskins. The foliage is eaten by deer and other browsers. The small but plentiful seeds are appreciated by a wide range of songbirds.
History/Lore
River birch wood was once used for ox yokes, wooden shoes and other products around the farm. But they were rather distained by loggers as knotty and spindly, therefore often left to grow along the river bank to control erosion.