Vertical Divider

River Birch - Betula Nigra
River birch (Betula nigra) is a native tree to the eastern United States, including Wisconsin. It is a medium to tall tree, growing 60-80 feet at maturity and about 40 feet wide. The bark is a beautiful cinnamon-brown color that peels and curls, revealing a lighter pink or tan inner bark. The leaves are dark green and triangular, and turn golden yellow in the fall. River birch is a fast-growing tree that is tolerant of wet soils, making it a good choice for planting near streams or ponds. It is also relatively pest- and disease-resistant. In Wisconsin, river birch is found naturally in the southern and eastern parts of the state. It is a popular choice for landscaping, and can be found in parks, gardens, and along streets.
​
Here are some additional facts about River Birch trees in Wisconsin:

• They are the most borer-resistant birch species.
• They can tolerate moderate flooding.
• They grow well in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet, and clay soils.
• They are not tolerant of alkaline soils.
• They typically live for 50-75 years.
• They are a good choice for specimen plantings, group plantings, and street trees.

View larger map