Common Name:

river birch

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Betula nigra

Family:

Betulaceae

Form:

tree

Size:

50-80 ft tall by 40 ft wide

Life Span:

long-lived perennial; moderately long-lived

Flower Color:

green, insignificant

Fruit Color:

Phenology:

deciduous; inconspicuous blooms in spring

Noted For:

Recommended Uses:

Specimen plant located where the salmon-colored shaggy bark can be seen. Use for shoreline erosion control. Has been used for mine reclamation due to its tolerance of acidic soils.

Considerations:

Although native to floodplains, it is not tolerant of extended periods of flooding.

Availability:

Propagation:

Seed. Naturally transported by wind and water.

Light:

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Stays Wet ---to--- Not wet but not extremely dry

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH:

6.5 and lower

Suitable to Grow In:

8A, 8B, 9A

Wildlife:

Birds and small mammals consume seed.

Larval host for mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) and dreamy duskywing (Erynnis icelus) butterflies.

Native Habitats:

river floodplains

Natural Range in Florida:

Visit the USF Libraries Atlas of Florida Plants

Ethnobotany:

Cut as pulpwood. Has been used for cabinetry where fine or strong wood is not needed.

General Comments:

Noted for its shaggy, peeling salmon-colored bark. The natural form is a single-trunked tree, but multi-trunked cultivars are common. Southernmost birch in the United States.