Heritage River Birch

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

40 - 70 Feet

Mature Spread

40 - 60 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

The fast-growing Heritage River Birch tree has a stately appearance and adds year-round color and interest to a yard or landscape. The bark has a reddish-pink hue to start before transitioning to a cinnamon brown and eventually settling in the trademark creamy white. As the tree matures, the white bark will peek through the peeling outer brown bark, giving this tree a very unique look. The Betula nigra has slightly arching branches covered in glossy light green foliage that fades into a vibrant yellow during the fall before dropping.

Plant this beauty in a yard to add color and create a welcoming space for songbirds and even wild turkeys. This large tree can reach about 70 feet tall and 60 feet wide, so select a spot to accommodate a large tree. The canopy is full but not very dense, allowing dappled light to filter through the foliage. The Heritage River Birch grows as a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 8.

Heritage River Birch Care

Plant this tree in full sun. New trees need a consistent watering schedule and prefer damp soil. After a few years, the tree will not need as much water, but give it a drink when the soil starts to dry out or during a dry spell. Plant in rich, slightly acidic soil that is well-drained. 

Trim the canopy during the late summer or early fall to prevent branches from rubbing against one another. River Birch trees do not require fertilization, but applying balanced plant food in the spring can help young plants become established or give mature plants a nutritional boost.

Heritage River Birch Spacing

This upright tree will reach 40 to 70 feet tall, and the branches will spread 40 to 60 feet across. Create a stand of trees by planting birch trees 6 to 10 feet apart.