River birch, Betula nigra, has graceful form and attractive bark. ... It is one of the very best fast-growing shade trees, valued as a landscape tree for the colorful exfoliating bark which is particularly noticeable in the winter.

"River" birch is called so because, in its native habitat, it is often found growing near rivers. An alternate common name is "black" birch, which is reflected in the species name, nigra (Latin for "black"). This is a reference to its bark, which starts out salmon but turns darker as it matures.

This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year.

River birch trees (Betula nigra) are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. They are more heat tolerant than most of their birch relatives, making them a good choice in many parts of the southern U.S. They grow naturally in wet environments along river and stream banks, so they are used to very moist soil.. . . . .364011234004!]0000000000000009783314147146!]