How to Grow and Care for River birch

River birch, also known as Black birch, Swamp birch, Water birch

River birch is generally considered easy to care for due to its adaptability and resilience. It thrives in moist, acid to neutral soils but can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including occasional flooding. Special care points include ensuring adequate water during dry periods and providing mulch to maintain soil moisture. River birch is susceptible to bronze birch borer, so monitoring for pests is crucial.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing River birch

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring, Early summer, Fall, Early winter
Hardiness Zones	4-9

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

Varieties of River birch

River birch 'Heritage'

River birch 'Heritage' (Betula nigra 'Heritage') is commonly sold as 'Heritage' but is also known as 'Cully' after Earl Cully who discovered it in St. Louis, Missouri. This birch is derived from river birch (Betula nigra) and shares the same size and growth rate. However, river birch 'Heritage' can be a single trunk or a multi-stemmed tree and features creamy pink bark and an impressive inner white core.

Common Pests & Diseases

Feedback

Common issues for River birch based on 10 million real cases

Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Download the App for Free

More General Info About River birch

Feedback

Quickly Identify River birch

Feedback

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

River birch exhibits a unique, peeling, cinnamon-brown bark that becomes more pronounced with age. The tree possesses a lush canopy of diamond-shaped, serrated leaves that transition to a vibrant yellow hue before their early autumnal descent. Sporting monoecious flowers, with male catkins and smaller female catkins on the same plant, river birch stands as an elegant species. It typically reaches heights of 40 to 70 feet (12 to 21 meters) and thrives in moist environments.