Birch, River
(Betula Nigra)

Multistemmed is desired; native; graceful branching; easy to transplant; best not to prune in spring – sap “bleeds”; heat tolerant; cinnamon brown exfoliating bark; may drop some leaves during dry weather; seeds attract birds. Has a golden yellow fall color. Leaves are yellowish-green, whitish and hairy underneath. Fruit is small catkins, twigs are reddish-brown and bark is reddsih-brown to salmon colored, thin papery peeling into curls.