Growth form: River Birches have a growth form consistent to most trees, unless they have had stresses in early growth, where they branch out into a shrub then increase in size from there. River birches can reach up to 70 feet and can have a crown spread of up to 60 feet once fully developed. These trees typically have a rapid growth rate where they can increase height up to 2 feet per year.
Leaves, twigs, and bark: Leaves of river birch are simple, alternate, and have double toothed edges, typically up to 3 inches long, Twigs are elongated and gray. Bark is light to dark-cinnamon brown and has a distinct peeling that almost resembles cardboard or paper.
Flowers and fruit: River birch produces tiny, wind-dispersed flowers in elongated catkins. Green to brown flowers emerge from catkins in April to May and are about 2 inches long, Mature female flowers develop into small nuts (nutlets) in early summer.
River Birch #864, showing alternate leaves with doubly-toothed margins and triangular shape. (Photo by Z. Underwood 10/24/2019)
River Birch #866, showing cinnamon brown, peeling bark (Photo by Z. Underwood 10/24/19)
River birch unopened green flowers in elongated catkins (Photo by Z. Underwood)
Native range and habitat: River birches is native to Virginia and mid-Atlantic states in the eastern United States. In Virginia, it is a native tree or shrub, occurring throughout the state except the northern and western-most counties.
River birch is found most often near waterways such as rivers, lakes, and creeks. It thrives in well-drained mesic and acidic soils, especially loamy and sandy soils. Because this species is drought and flood resistant and has attractive bark, it is planted as a landscaping tree across a wide range of habitats.
Distribution of River Birch across Virginia counties. This tree occurs along stream banks across the state, except far western and northern counties.
Plant Family: River birch is part of Betulaceae or the Birch family. The birch family includes deciduous trees and shrubs with simple and alternate toothed leaves. Members of the Birch family have wind-pollinated flowers, with separate male and female flowers on the same tree. Having different unisexual flowers on the same tree is known as monoecious. There are nearly 150 species in the Betulaceae family, including black, yellow, white, and river birches, along with alders and hazelnuts.
Ecologic Importance and Uses:
Edible and Medicinal Uses:Most birches can be used for birch syrup, wintergreen oil substitute (analgesic), poison ivy/acne relief wash, and as a sedative.
Wildlife: The river birch has catkins that are utilized by certain species of birds for nest building. Leaves and early growth are browsed by deer and other forest animals. The nuts that are produced in the female catkin are eaten by many different species of songbirds.
Landscaping and Other Uses: River birch is most recently used in landscaping, along with habitat conservation for areas that are highly effected by stream-bank erosion. This species has also been used for making wooden shoes as well as miscellaneous needs around farmland.
Campus Specimens - River Birches
State and national champions? The largest river birch in the country is located in Buckhorn Lake State Park, Kentucky. This national champion has a trunk circumference of 219 inches, height of 145 feet, and crown spread of 102.5 feet. Resulting in a total of 390 points. The Virginia state champion fringe tree is located in Hanover, VA, and has a circumference of 141 inches, height of 95 feet, and crown spread of 78 feet, for a total of 256 points.
At Radford University, five river birches can be found on campus (highlighted circle below). All are located directly adjacent to Davis Hall, near Parking Lot A.
Shows specified River Birches #863-#867 (Photo by Adam Allen, 2019)
Tree #863
Trunk circumference: 121 inches
Tree height: 41 feet
Crown spread: 54 feet x 41 feet Average crown spread = 47.5 feet
Total points: 173.9
Notes: Tall shrub-structured tree branched off into three shoots.
Tree #865
Trunk circumference: 84 inches
Tree height: 28 feet
Crown spread: 18 feet x 15 feet Average crown spread = 16.5 feet
Total points: 116.1
Notes: This is the smallest river birch out of those recorded.
Tree #864
Trunk circumference: 116 inches
Tree height: 37 feet
Crown spread: 57 feet x 36 feet Average crown spread = 46.5 feet
Total points: 164.6
Notes: This branching tree had the most density of leaves out of all river birches recorded.
Tree #866
Trunk circumference: 96 inches
Tree height: 28 feet
Crown spread: 19 feet x 17 feet Average crown spread = 18 feet
Total points: 128.5
Notes: Slightly larger than #865
Tree #867
Trunk circumference: 93 inches
Tree height: 50 feet
Crown spread: 63 feet x 56 feet Average crown spread = 59.5 feet