River Birch
Betula nigra
Family: Betulaceae
River Birch grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil. Water needs: Moderate to high.
Photo Gallery
Plant reference images showing growth stages and identifying features.
Photo info
How to Grow River Birch
River Birch growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun to partial shade, soil conditions listed as Moist, acidic, well-drained soil with a soil pH of 4.5-6.5, and Moderate to high water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 4-9. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for River Birch as 14-30 days after stratification, with planting or establishment depth listed as Surface sow or barely cover. Days to maturity are listed as Several years to established tree size.
Plant Overview
River Birch (Betula nigra) is listed in the Betulaceae family and categorized as a tree with a perennial deciduous tree life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0220
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Plant type
- Tree
- Life cycle
- Perennial deciduous tree
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Growing Conditions
River Birch is listed for full sun to partial shade conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate to high. The database soil reference is Moist, acidic, well-drained soil. The listed soil pH range is 4.5-6.5, and the listed hardiness range is 4-9.
- Hardiness zones
- 4-9
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- Moist, acidic, well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- 4.5-6.5
- Water needs
- Moderate to high
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 14-30 days after stratification and the seed depth is Surface sow or barely cover. Maturity guidance: Several years to established tree size. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 14-30 days after stratification
- Seed depth
- Surface sow or barely cover
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- Several years to established tree size
Related Plants
Find, buy, swap, or sell River Birch
One World One Seed connects this plant profile to community sellers, plant swaps, storefronts, and participating garden retailers.
Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.