Betula nigra    

River Birch

Family:  Betulaceae
Zone:  4-9                               Average Size:  30’H x 20’W

Identification: 

-Light tan to orange brown exfoliating bark
-Simple leaf, wedge shaped leaf, doubly serrate, with prominent veins;
-Male flower 2-3” catkin
-Usually multi-stemmed form with pendulous branching

Note:  Native to sandy river banks throughout the Eastern United States, the river birch is a popular specimen with its peeling bark providing seasonal interest in the winter.  In the deep South, the long growing season and abundant rainfall allow river birch to be a rapid growing species, becoming very large and sometimes short-lived.  

Campus Location: School of Renewable Natural Resources, north entry