Betula nigra
Photo by Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS. Photograph belongs to the photographer who allows use for FNPS purposes only. Please contact the photographer for all other uses.
Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones
Suitable to grow in:
8A 8B 9A
2002-2022, Copyright Florida Native Plant Society
River Birch
Betulaceae
Plant Specifics
| Size: | 50-80 ft tall by to 40 ft wide | |
| Life Span: | Long-lived perennial | |
| Flower Color: | Green,NA | |
| Phenology: | Deciduous. Inconspicuos blooms in spring. Moderately long-lived. | |
| Habitats: | River floodplains |
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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Light: | Full Sun, Part Shade | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Moisture Tolerance: |
always floodedextremely dry |
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| Moisture Tolerance: | 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 Tolerance: | Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Soil/Substrate: | Clay, Loam, Sand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wildlife
Birds and small mammals consume seed.
Larval host for Mourning Cloak and Dreamy Duskywing butterflies