River Birch

Betulaceae

LIFE FORM: Tree

NATIVITY: Eastern North America

VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS:

40 to 60 feet tall; with alternate, sharp-pointed leaves with irregularly serrated edges; shredding, buff-colored bark when young; mature trees have dark bark.

FLOWERS:

Pendulous male catkins conspicuous in early spring, before leaves.

FRUIT/DISPERSAL AGENTS:

Woody catkins mature in late spring and disintegrate to release wind-disperse seed.

ECOLOGICAL PREFERENCE:

Grows best in mosit soil with full sun; freshwater wetlands, ponds and streams; riverbanks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNCTION:

Heat reduction; salt tolerance along roadways; air pollution tolerance; stream and river bank stbilization.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:

The cultivar 'Heritage' is widely cultivated. Introduced as an ornamental species.