River Birch : Betula Nigra

Native to streambanks and wet areas, it tolerates hot, humid climates. Young plants quickly grow into single- or multi-stemmed trees. Pinkish-white bark turns cinnamon-brown or black as the tree ages. Resists birch borer.

Fast-growing Birch trees are attractive year-round. Their light green foliage turns yellow in fall. Losing their leaves for winter shows off their colorful, peeling bark, thin graceful branches, and hanging cone-like fruit. Young trees have dark-colored bark until their trunks reach 1 in. around. Plant against a darker background or green lawn to highlight pale trunks.
Most thrive in moist sandy or rocky subsoils. Once established, tolerates some heat and dry spells. Prefer winter chill. Water deeply and often, around shallow roots. Prune in winter only after leaves have formed, to prevent sap bleeding. Transplant when dormant.