Betula nigra – River Birch

Characteristics: broad-leaved, deciduous tree with peeling bark

Flowers: April - May

Fruit: catkins with small winged seeds from June to August

Growth: 50 to 70 feet tall with 35 to 50 foot spread, fast growth rate (30 to 40 ft in 10 years)

Shade: requires full sun

Habitat: forested seasonal wetlands, floodplain forests, stream banks

Hydrology: facultative wetland species (FACW), irregularly to seasonally inundated or saturated up to approximately 25% of the growing season

Range: New Hampshire to Minnesota, south to Florida and Texas

Comments: high wildlife food value, good for stream bank stabilization, tolerates drought, yellow fall color