River Birch

About River Birch

Renowned for its dramatic, peeling bark and graceful form, the River Birch is a rapid-growing native tree that adds year-round visual interest and ecological depth to moist landscapes. Typically reaching 40 to 70 feet in height, this tree is famous for its exfoliating bark, which peels back to reveal shades of salmon, cinnamon, and creamy tan. Its glossy, diamond-shaped leaves turn a bright, clear yellow in the autumn. Native to the eastern and central United States, it is naturally found along riverbanks, floodplains, and in swampy bottomlands. It is a high-value wildlife tree, serving as a larval host for hundreds of caterpillar species, including the Mourning Cloak butterfly, providing a critical food source for nesting birds. The seeds are also a favorite of goldfinches and other songbirds. Prefers full sun to partial shade and wet to medium, acidic soils. It is the most heat-tolerant of all birches and is notably resistant to the bronze birch borer, making it a reliable and stunning choice for home landscapes.