Betula nigra

River Birch

NJ Ecotype (grown from seed)

*Seedling stock expected by 2026, some may be available in 2025

• Deciduous, often multi-trunked, hardwood tree; fast growing; 30-50ft tall on average, but can occasionally reach up to 90ft

• Monoecious—both male and female catkins form on the same tree; male catkins form in fall, last through winter, and release pollen in spring; female flowers open in spring and produce seeds by early summer; leaves becomes golden brown in fall

• Silver, papery exfoliating bark reveals brown bark underneath; deer, rabbits, and beaver eat the bark, especially in winter

• Seeds are sought after by birds including Pine Siskin, chickadees, Purple Finches, etc.

• Host plant to moths and butterflies including the Mourning Cloak, Dreamy Duskywing, Distinct Quaker, Birch Dagger Moth, Io Moth, Alien Probole, and many more; other insects that feed on various parts of Birch include wood-boring beetles, long-horned beetles, leaf beetles, shield bugs and more

• A pioneer species for forests on stream banks