Betula nigra 'Dura-Heat'

River Birch

'BNMTF'

Tips for Homeowners:

Best to trim in summer after sap is done running.  It can be trained to have a higher canopy, where exfoliating bark is more visible.

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Smaller than the species, this cultivar has improved bark color, is more heat tolerant and better disease and insect resistance.

  • More heat and drought tolerant than the species
  • Excellent exfoliating bark
  • Dark green foliage does not fade to yellow as easily

A good shade tree for large yards or is great for naturalizing in moist soils.  Best in eastern and central Kansas.

Height: 30-40 ft
Spread: 25-35 ft
Zone: 4-9
Color: Brown, Green

Interesting Notes about River Birch:

River Birch is popular for its interesting, exfoliating bark and tolerance to wet conditions, but most of all it has better resistance to the birch borer.  It prefers moist soils with an acidic pH and can tolerate drought especially if roots are shaded.  This is a fast-growing tree, establishes easy and is available as a single-stem or in multiples.


Characteristics & Attributes

Attributes:

  • Mass Planting
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Low Maintenance
  • Specimen
  • Great Foliage
  • Fast Growing
  • Heat Tolerant
  • Disease Resistant
  • Water's Edge / Bog Plant
  • Fall Color

Foliage Color:

  • Yellow
  • Green

Exposure:

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Sun

Critter Resistance:

  • Deer Resistant

Habit:

  • Upright

Season of Interest (Foliage):

  • Fall

Soil Moisture:

  • Average Water
  • Moist, Well-Drained