Plant · GBIF taxon 5331532
River Birch
Betula nigraAlso known as Water Birch, Black Birch
River birch is a deciduous tree known for curling papery bark colored salmon, cream, cinnamon, and gray. Its diamond-shaped double-toothed leaves hang from slender twigs, and mature trees often divide into several trunks.
riparian treepeeling barkdeciduous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Produces energy through photosynthesis and draws abundant moisture through a spreading root system
Predators
- birch leafminers
- aphids
- beavers
ThreatsChannel alteration, prolonged drought, root damage, severe flooding, and habitat conversion
HabitatsRiverbanks, floodplains, swamps, wet woods, sandbars, and moist planted landscapes
Life spanOften fifty to seventy-five years, with favorable trees sometimes living longer
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderFagales
- FamilyBetulaceae
- GenusBetula
- SpeciesBetula nigra
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Do not peel living bark or compact wet soil around exposed roots.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Look for curling multicolored bark and sharply double-toothed diamond-shaped leaves.
- Protect: Admire bark in place without pulling loose-looking layers from the trunk.
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.