Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

river birch

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Betula nigra

Family:

Betulaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

50-80 ft tall by to 40 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

green,NA

Fruit Color:

NA

Phenology:

Deciduous. Inconspicuos blooms in spring. Moderately long-lived.

Noted For:

Hurricane Wind Resistance, Fall Color, Interesting Bark

Landscaping

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:

Quality Nurseries, Native Nurseries

Propagation:

Seed. Naturally transported by wind and water.

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

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

Coming Soon!

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

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Clay, Loam

Soil pH:

Ph 6.5 and lower

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Caterpillars, Birds, Mammals

Larval host for Mourning Cloak and Dreamy Duskywing butterflies

Birds and small mammals consume seed. 

Native Habitats:

River floodplains

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

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 US.