This library and any plant lists generated from it reflect plants we’ve carried or could obtain over the past 12–18 months, not our current inventory or availability.
“Fire Wise” plants are not fireproof. These plants, when maintained properly, have a higher fire resistance reducing fire danger. This list is built on the recommendations of local governments and the Diablo Firesafe Council
Height: 60 feet
Spread: 45 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 3b
Other Names: Red Birch
Description:
A prize native birch valued for its stunning bark, with white, brown and tan colors all peeling from mature trunks; good fall color; requires acidic soil, susceptible to chlorosis in alkaline soils
Ornamental Features
River Birch features subtle chartreuse catkins in early spring. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall. The peeling brown bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.
Landscape Attributes
River Birch is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. It has no significant negative characteristics.
River Birch is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Shade
Planting & Growing
River Birch will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 45 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.
This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is native to parts of North America.
Plant lists (elsewhere on our site):
Popular searches:
Searching:
In keyword searches, precede the keyword with a “+” to only include plants and a “-” to exclude any plants that contain that keyword.
Enclose any phrase in quotation marks ““ to search for the phrase and not the individual words.
• Use “Quick Search” with “Search By Plant Names” to find plants that meet your criteria
• Use “Category links” to quickly find a grouping of plants
• Use “Advanced Search” to narrow the results within each category
• Use the “Hot Button” check box to prioritize a search attribute
My Wish List:
• Use the “Wish List” check box to save plants of interest for future reference
• Print out your list and bring it to the nursery as a shopping list
Remember, we may not currently have all the plants you choose in stock.