River Birch (Betula nigra)
Family: Betulaceae
Zone: 3 - 7
Zone: 3 - 7
Native birch tree found throughout the mid-western and eastern states, occurring from Minnesota to as far south as Florida. As the name indicates its preferred habitat is along moist stream beds. Bark of young trees is thin and papery, white to pinkish color. Growth is often with multiple trunks or with a single trunk divided into arching branches. Excellent medium size specimen tree 70 - 80 ft tall, often planted as a yard or boulevard ornamental. Unlike several other ornamental birch trees used in landscaping, River Birch is quite resistant to birch borer beetle infestation.