Availability : In Stock

Fox Valley® River Birch

Availability : Pre-Order
Availability : In Stock
$87.49
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  • 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

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

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

#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

#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

#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

#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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Plant Shipping

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 10March 24th
Zone 9March 31st
Zone 8April 7th
Zone 7April 14th
Zone 6bApril 21st
Zone 6aApril 28th
Zone 5bMay 5th
Zone 5aMay 12th
Zone 4May 19th
Zone 3May 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.