
River Birch (Betula nigra)
, by Madison Vaccaro, 1 min reading time

, by Madison Vaccaro, 1 min reading time
Discover River Birch, a Florida native tree prized for peeling bark, airy foliage, and dependable performance in moist to wet landscapes
River Birch (Betula nigra)
is a fast-growing Florida native deciduous tree valued for its distinctive peeling bark, refined foliage, and affinity for moist landscapes. Its salmon-brown to creamy bark exfoliates in papery curls, giving the tree exceptional year-round interest—especially in winter—while its light, arching canopy provides a softer texture than most large shade trees.ask.ifas.ufl+1
Best suited to North and Central Florida, River Birch performs well in full sun to partial shade and prefers acidic soils that remain consistently moist. Use it as a specimen near water, in rain gardens, along freshwater shorelines, or in low-lying landscapes; it tolerates wet soil but should not be placed in sites subject to extended flooding or salt exposure.