tree · design plant record

Betula nigra

River birch

A substantial canopy tree with peeling bark for a generous moisture-retentive site.

Photographs show the source plant or captioned cultivar, season and setting. They do not document one of our illustrative garden layouts as a built project.

Height at maturity

9.14–21.34 m (30–70 ft)

Spread at maturity

12.19–18.29 m (40–60 ft)

Light

Sun / Part shade

Moisture

Drier soil after establishment / Moist, draining soil / Wet-soil tolerance (check details)

Source-reported USDA zones

4–9 · verify subzone and cultivar

Principal seasonal role

Summer, Autumn, Winter

Fit it to the site

Moist soil; check pH and allow a large root and canopy area.

Not a small patio tree: the source reports a canopy up to about 18 m across.

Keep the care in the decision

Keep roots mulched and avoid repeated drying during establishment.

Origin & safety checks

Central & Eastern U.S.A. Confirm local native range and restrictions.

Pet safety and edible uses are not assessed; verify the exact botanical name with a suitable local authority.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.