River Birch is a handsome, medium-sized native tree that can withstand the heat of summer, tolerate wet soil as well as occasional dry soil, and has excellent resistance to the Bronze Birch Borer (Agrilus anxius.) It is a fast growing tree, able to reach heights of 30-40′ in the first 20 years after planting. River Birches want acidic soil (ideally not higher than 6.5) to avoid chlorosis, so testing the soil prior to planting is recommended. It can make a beautiful specimen tree or plant multiple for a pleasant grove in low areas with intermittent dryness, or near ponds and streams. The adaptability and tidiness of River Birches make them the birch of choice for the home landscape. The muted yellow color of the foliage in fall is attractive before the leaves drop, and the exfoliating bark adds a high degree of winter interest to any garden. In late spring, River Birches begin blooming with showy, rusty yellow catkins which droop from the arching branches. The flowers are wind-pollinated. Buds, catkins, and seeds are eaten by many species of bird including Black-Capped Chickadee, Purple Finch, and Slate-Colored Junco, as well as Red Squirrels. Betula spp. are host to at least 284 species of Lepidoptera, providing a massive buffet of caterpillars for insectivorous birds and nestlings. Because of this, the ecological value of Birches is very high. Sources: Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines by William Cullina Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael A. Dirr Midwestern Native Shrubs and Trees by Charlotte Adelman & Bernard L. Schwartz Missouri Botanical Garden Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center The Morton Arboretum-Black Walnut Tolerance Grow Native! Salt-Tolerant Native Plants Photo Credits: Mature Trunk: Googoo85, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Catkin Detail: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
