Betula nigra (River birch)

River Birch (Betula nigra)

Height, Spread: 30-70 ft, 40-60 ft

Water/Soil: Moist, Well-Drained, Acidic, Neutral, Clay, Sand, Loam

Light: Full Sun-Partial Shade

Bloom: Goldish-green catkin, Spring

Native Range: Eastern & Central USA

Qualities: Host Plant, Wildlife Resource 

Notes: Deciduous flowering tree, the only native birch that does well in low elevations in the south. Commonly found in riparian areas in the wild. Host plant to many butterfly and moth caterpillars including the Dreamy Duskywing ( Erynnis icelus), Mourning Cloak ( Nymphalis antiopa), and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). Birds and mammals will eat its seeds and foliage. Good for erosion control.