- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 5 - 10 Feet
- Mature Spread 6 - 8 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 9
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
Fox Valley River Birch (Betula nigra ‘Little King’, commonly sold as Fox Valley®) delivers the charm and color of a traditional river birch but in a smaller, more manageable size. Reaching about 8 to 10 feet tall in cultivation, this compact, deciduous tree features eye-catching exfoliating bark in shades of coppery orange to cream, revealing lighter tones as it peels. Glossy green leaves emerge in spring, transitioning to a brilliant gold in autumn. Due to its moderate growth rate and dwarf habit, it fits well into tight landscapes, offering a focal point without overshadowing nearby plants.
Fox Valley River Birch adapts to a range of soils, including clay and moist conditions along streams or low spots. Its strong resistance to bronze birch borer stands out as a key advantage over many other birch varieties. It also tolerates some drought once established, but consistent moisture during the first growing seasons ensures healthy root development. Deer typically move on to tastier offerings, leaving the tree unbothered. This selection was introduced through the Chicagoland Grows® program, making it a reliable pick for many urban or suburban yards. Thanks to its smaller stature, it works equally well as a specimen in the front yard, grouped for a natural hedge, or planted in a mixed border to add texture and structure.
Fox Valley River Birch Care
Plant your Fox Valley River Birch in full sun or partial shade, ensuring at least four to six hours of direct light daily. While it tolerates moist soils—including areas prone to occasional flooding—a well-draining spot helps keep its roots happy in typical conditions. A yearly layer of mulch around the root zone moderates soil temperature and retains moisture. Consider applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer each spring to foster leaf growth and showy fall color. Although this birch enjoys slightly acidic soils, it can handle a variety of pH levels as long as essential nutrients are available.
Prune in late summer or early fall, after leaf drop, to avoid the heavy sap flow that can occur in late winter or early spring. Focus on removing crossing or damaged branches, thinning lightly if desired for shape. Fox Valley River Birch’s naturally rounded canopy seldom requires extensive work. Container cultivation is possible but requires monitoring moisture levels, as birches can be thirsty during warm spells.
Fox Valley River Birch Spacing
For a compact row, position trees about 8 to 10 feet apart so their crowns fill in and create a unified look. If showcasing individual specimens, plan for a 12- to 15-foot distance to highlight each trunk’s peeling bark. Containers should measure at least 18 inches wide for younger plants, graduating to larger sizes as the root system expands over time.
Fox Valley River Birch Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 5 - 10 Feet |
Mature Spread: 6 - 8 Feet |
Spacing: 6 - 8 Feet |
Habit: Mounded, Upright |
Flower Color(s): Green |
Flower Description: Yellowish-Green |
Bloom Period: Early Spring |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: yellow |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Fall Interest, Winter Interest, 3 Season Interest, 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Moderate,High water needs |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit, Disease, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Combinations, Containers, Edging, Erosion Control, Hedges & Privacy, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Sensory Gardens, Wetland Areas & Ponds, Wildlife Gardens, Windbreaks |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Deadheading Not Necessary, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America, Award Winner |
Brand: |
Common Name: Fox Valley River Birch |
Other Name(s): Dwarf River Birch |
Scientific Name: Betula nigra `Fox Valley` |
- SKU:
- 1231021594-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.