Overview of River Birch:
Latin Name:
Common Names:
Preferred USDA Hardiness Zones:
Size & Shape of River Birch:
Exposure:
Foliage/Flowers/Fruit of River Birch:
The medium-to-dark green leaves are white on the back. They are 1-3" long and are shaped like an oval with serrated edges.
The river birch is monoecious and bears male and female flower clusters called catkins on the same tree. They form at different times; the male catkins form in fall and bloom in the spring, when the female catkins appear. After pollination, clusters of winged fruit that are small and brown form in the spring.
Design Tips For River Birch:
An excellent choice as a specimen tree. The red peeling bark will provide color throughout all of the seasons.
Growing Tips For River Birch:
Plant in a location where the soil is shady, moist and has good drainage.
The soil should have a pH between 5.0-6.5 for best results. Otherwise, iron chlorosis may affect the tree.
Maintenance/Pruning
Adding mulch will help keep the soil cool, which will protect the roots from drying out. Do not place mulch where it will touch the trunk. Fertilizer is only needed if the tree shows signs of distress.
Water deeply for 2-3 hours once a week to keep the soil around the tree moist.
Do not prune the river birch between May 1st and August 1st, as this is the time period when the bronze birch borers are out in full force. Leave at least 75% of the tree intact with pruning at any other times.
Pests & Diseases of River Birch
As with most birches, the river birch may fall prey to the birch leafminer (Fenusa pusilla). This tree is more resistant to the bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius) than other birch species. Birch dieback, anthracnose leaf blight (Gloeosporium betularum) and Christmas mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) can also be a problem.
