River Birch Tree

1-2 Feet / Buy 1 Get 1 Free

$24.99

River Birch Tree

Fast-growing for quick landscape impact, Attractive yellow foliage in autumn, Supports local wildlife with its seeds

$24.99

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Ship Date: Ships in November 2026

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This plant thrives in zones: 4-9

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River Birch Trees For Sale

The River Birch Tree, scientifically known as Betula nigra, will make a stunning statement in your yard. This deciduous tree has distinctive, exfoliating bark and an elegant stature. It is a beautiful deciduous, multitrunked tree recognized by its naturally exfoliating bark. It is native to the southern states. This is a tree that grows rapidly and will make a significant impact on your landscape quickly. Plant in a park or garden, or along a stream. This is an excellent tree for creating a shade garden, an inspired garden, or as a focal point in an ornamental garden.

Tall multi-trunked River Birch tree with white bark in lush garden bed

River Birch Tree Details

Family: Betulaceae Light Requirement: Full Sun Water Needs: Moist Height: 25 - 40 ft. Spread: 20 - 30 ft. Growth Rate: Fast Bloom Time: Spring Flower Color: Brown Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies, birds

River Birch Tree Landscape Uses and Maintenance

Plant this tree in a location with full sun to partial shade. Full sun will allow it to grow quickly. Its leaves are green and diamond-shaped. From late winter to early spring, this tree produces two types of small catkins, both of which are inconspicuous. As its name suggests, this tree grows well in wet sites. If you are planting it on a drier site, ensure that you water it deeply and regularly. Water it thoroughly when first planted, and continue to do so until it is well established. This tree can tolerate many types of soil, including clay, as it holds more moisture, and it will tolerate flooding. It prefers acidic soil. The River Birch Tree will attract a variety of wildlife to your landscape, including pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Are you having deer problems? This tree is deer-resistant. Watch this tree for signs of chlorosis or bark borers.

Noteworthy Characteristics

The River Birch Tree has beautiful, red brown exfoliating bark. Since it can grow in wet sites, it is an excellent option for erosion control. Plant them and they will come! This native tree will attract a variety of butterflies to your yard. It is a host plant for the Mourning Cloak and Dreamy Duskywing butterfly.

Bare-root River Birch Tree with slender brown trunk and tangled roots

Yes, River Birch is an excellent yard tree known for its beauty and resilience. Its peeling bark and graceful shape add year-round interest to any landscape. It grows quickly and adapts easily to various soil conditions.

No, River Birch is not a messy tree—it’s amazing for any landscape. Its attractive bark and lush canopy make it a standout feature. It stays neat while providing shade and natural beauty all year long.

Yes, you can plant a River Birch next to your house if you give it enough space to grow. Its roots stay manageable when planted a safe distance from foundations. With proper placement, it enhances your home’s beauty and shade.

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Exposure

The River Birch Tree grows well in the sun to part shade. It needs at least 4 hours of total sunlight daily. However, it can accept some shade, particularly in hotter climates, making it flexible to various light conditions.

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Usage

Fast Growing

Shipped As

Bare-root

Ships

UPS

Planting Zones

4-9

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

River Birch trees thrive in well-drained, moist soil. They need regular watering, particularly during dry years, and mulch the base to keep moisture. They are pruned in late winter to hold the body and remove damaged branches. They are relatively low-maintenance and hardy.

The River Birch Tree grows well in the sun to part shade. It needs at least 4 hours of total sunlight daily. However, it can accept some shade, particularly in hotter climates, making it flexible to various light conditions.