River BirchBetula nigra
Medium-sized tree that may grow to a mature height of 50-75' and width of 35-40'. Can grow to 20-30' in 10 years. Well suited for bank stabilization, shoreland and floodplain restorations on mesic-to-wet soils. Its ability to thrive on moist sites makes it useful for erosion control and rain gardens. This species is long-lived and fairly disease resistant. It is used in yards and landscape designs. Fast-growing, likes moist soil, can be messy.
USDA symbol: BENI
General Information
| Plant Type | Tree |
|---|---|
| Height | 50 to 75 feet |
| Light Exposure | Sun, Part Sun |
| Soil Moisture | Medium, Wet |
| Bloom Color | Yellow, Red |
Tolerances
| Flooding / Inundation Tolerance | Very High |
|---|---|
| General Resilience | 9 |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Stress Tolerance | Fire Tolerant |
Pollinator Value: Low
| Bloom Months | April to May |
|---|---|
| Larval Host of | Moths |
| Specific Pollinators Hosted | Acronicta betulae |
Project Planning
| Project Type | Erosion Control, Rain Garden, Restoration, Sandy or Engineered Soils, Shoreline Buffer |
|---|---|
| Coefficient of Conservatism | 2 |
| Herbivore Sensitivity | Medium |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Rate of Spread | Slow |
| Soil Stabilization | Deep |
| Vegetative Reproduction | Clonal |
Range
| County | Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, Washington, Winona |
|---|---|
| Ecoregion | Driftless Area, North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Lakes and Forests, Western Cornbelt Plains |
| Approximate Eco Province | Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Laurentian Mixed Forest, Prairie Parkland |