NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details
Betula nigra
River Birch, Red Birch
Scientific Name: |
Betula nigra |
---|---|
Genus: |
Betula |
Species Epithet: |
nigra |
Common Name: |
River Birch, Red Birch |
Plant Type |
Tree |
Life Cycle |
Perennial |
Plant Family |
Betulaceae (Birch Family) |
Native/Alien: |
NC Native |
Invasive Status: |
(*Key) |
Size: |
12-36 ft., 36-72 ft. |
Light: |
Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day, Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day |
Soil Moisture: |
Moist, Wet |
Bloom Time: |
March, April |
Growing Area: |
Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain |
Habitat Description: |
Riverbanks, streambanks, floodplains, sandbars, disturbed uplands. Common throughout NC. |
Leaf Arrangement: |
Alternate |
Leaf Retention: |
Deciduous |
Leaf Type: |
Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like |
Leaf Form: |
Simple |
Life Cycle: |
Perennial |
Wildlife Value: |
Important for Wildlife |
Landscape Value: |
Highly Recommended and Available |
State Rank: |
S5: Secure (*Key) |
Global Rank: |
G5 - Secure (*Key) |
Notes: |
Beautiful exfoliating bark. A fast-growing shade tree with cultivars available (some are drought-tolerant). |
Lisa Lofland Gould |
|
Lisa Lofland Gould |
|
Bettina Darveaux |
|
Bettina Darveaux |
|
Links: |
Vascular Plants of NC: https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/flora/species_account.php NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/betula-nigra/ |
back to top
go to plant details search
go to plant images search
go to gallery home
back to Initial b Gallery
back to orchids
back to Carnivorous Plants
back to Trilliums