Bundle of five 1'-2' River Birch seedlings.
This is a preorder and the seedlings are expected to arrive at NRICD by the date of the seedling sale on April 20, 2024. If an unforeseen weather or shipping event prevents your order from being fulfilled, you will receive a full refund.
You can pickup your order at The Good Earth Organic Farm: 1800 Scituate Avenue, Hope, RI from 10:00-12:00 on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
Latin: Betula nigra
Zones: 4-9
Other common names: black birch, red birch, water birch, cinnamon birch
Mature Height: Medium to fast growing. It is a deciduous tree growing to 80 ft, rarely to 100 ft. high with a trunk up to 2 ft. rarely 5 ft. diameter often with multiple trunks.Soil / Climate: Full sun While it is commonly found in plains and/or swamps, it will grow on higher land. It better adapts to heat than other birches.
Notes: insect resistant! This variety is immune to birch borer, and is extremely heat resistant as well! River birch are good for large residences, public grounds, parks, golf courses, etc. Native Americans used the boiled sap as a sweetener similar to Maple syrup and the inner bark as a survival food. The bark of some are quite distinctive (very smooth and pinky white), making it a favored ornamental tree for landscaping. A spring planting (mid to late April) is recommended for bare root river birch. An excellent tree for low, swampy areas. Can even tolerate standing water for several weeks at a time. Native to the eastern United States.
Wildlife: A number of species of birds eat river birch seeds including ruffed grouse and wild turkey. White-tailed deer browse river birch. It provides nesting sites for waterfowl.
Appearance: Open pyramidal growth from 70 to 90 feet. Spread 30 to 40 feet. Fall color is yellow. The bark is variable, usually dark gray-brown and scaly, but can be smooth and creamy pinkish-white exfoliating in curly papery sheets. This paper thin bark peels in the winter.
Zone: 3-9
Height: 70-90 Feet
Spread: 30-40 Feet
Additional information on Betula nigra can be found on the link: USDA / NRCS PLANTS Database.