How many varieties of birch trees are there?
11 Different Types Of Birch Trees Birch trees belong to the genus Betula, and there are over over 60 known birch species and a number of cultivars.
Is river birch the same as white birch?
Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) The chalky bark, or “paper,” is more striking than that of the river birch trees, sometimes attaining to almost a pure white (which is why it is also sometimes called “white birch”). The bark of this tree is famous for another reason, too: as the material for birch-bark canoes.
Are there small river birch trees?
Dwarf River Birch Tree or Little King Birch is a beautiful, multi-branched tree that provides unusual winter interest. A dwarf Variety that will only reach heights of 10 feet. Perfect for gardeners with smaller gardens that still want to enjoy the peeling bark of the River Birch Tree.
How do you identify a river birch tree?
The river birch tree is a type of clumping birch tree with reddish-brown exfoliating bark, glossy green diamond-shaped leaves, and a pyramidal crown. This fast-growing river birch tree has smooth fuzzy twigs and unique buds among Betula trees due to the hooked tips.
What is the most popular birch tree?
Betula utilis var. Vigorous and fast growing, this medium-sized deciduous tree has an open pyramidal habit with a graceful and delicate branching. It bears alternately arranged, ovate, dark green leaves, which warm up to bright yellow in fall. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most popular birch trees.
Is River Birch a messy tree?
This tree is very messy, with small branches and leaves being a problem all year long. The roots are massive and very dense near the surface, starving peripheral plants of nutrients and water and choking their roots.
Are river birch trees messy?
Is river birch a good tree?
It is an excellent tree as its roots do a great job holding shorelines together, helping to prevent erosion. It is hardy, growing in zones 4-9. The river birch has a geographical range bigger than any birch in the states. It adapts well to hot climates and is the only birch found in southern states.
Can you keep a River Birch small?
Birch trees are fast growing but short lived, by tree standards. Trimming to control size may damage the tree’s health by creating open wounds. Trim just to shape and to keep the tree healthy.
Can you plant a River Birch next to your house?
As a water-loving tree species, they adapt well in moist conditions, especially near banks of rivers, hence their name. But many property owners are weary of planting new River Birch trees near their house in fear that the roots might grow excessively and damage the underground plumbing, and ultimately, the foundation.
What are some different types of birch trees?
11 Common Species of Birch Trees Bog Birch (Betula pumila) Cherry Birch (Betula lenta) Dwarf Birch (Betula nana) Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis var. Japanese White Birch (Betula platyphylla ‘Japanica’) Paper Bark Birch (Betula papyrifera) River Birch (Betula nigra) Silver Birch (Betula pendula or B. Weeping Birches (Betula pendula var.)
What type of birch tree is the largest?
Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis): This tree is native to forests of the northeast U.S. and is also known as the swamp birch due to the fact that it is often found in marshy areas. It is the largest of the birches, easily growing to 100 feet in height.
Where to plant a river birch tree?
Plant the river birch in an area that receives full, direct sun with some dappled shade in the afternoon. Choose a site that has a consistently moist, fertile sand or loam soil with a pH of 6.5 or lower. Position the tree near a water source, if possible, to allow the roots access to the excess moisture.
What to plant under a birch tree?
Evergreen shrubs scattered around the base of a birch tree help provide visual color and structure to complement the upright trunk. Juniper, mugo pine, dwarf blue spruce, dwarf false cypress and Russian arborvitae are a few needled evergreen shrubs to grow near a birch tree.