River Birch — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Betula nigra |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–28 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 10–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1095–2190 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 914.4–1371.6 |
| Mature height (cm) | 1219.2–2133.6 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 914.4–1371.6 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant in moist, slightly acidic, well-drained to periodically flooded soil in full sun to light partial shade; river birch is the most adaptable and heat-tolerant native birch in North America, naturally occurring along streambanks and floodplains from New Hampshire to Florida and west to Kansas. Unlike the European white birch, river birch is highly resistant to the bronze birch borer and bronze birch clearwing, making it a far more reliable long-term landscape tree throughout most of the eastern US. The ornamental exfoliating bark — cinnamon to salmon-pink to creamy-white — peels in papery curls to reveal new inner bark throughout the year, providing outstanding four-season interest. River birch grows quickly (1.5–2 feet per year) and tolerates both wet, poorly drained soils and moderate drought once established, an unusually wide site adaptability. The small winged seeds are relished by chickadees, redpolls, and pine siskins in late winter.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0