River Birch A fast growing large tree with beautiful creamy, peeling bark that darkens with age. Betula nigra is the perfect tree for wet ground. Native to the Southeastern U.S. where it mainly grows along riverbanks in which it is a valuable tree in preventing erosion and it has in fact been a popular tree in Europe for many years because of this. It yields attractive, delicate, diamond shaped, glossy leaves that yellow in the autumn. Its attractive bark is especially interesting in Winter. In Spring, the River Birch can be tapped as one would a maple tree. Site: Requires some shelterSoil: Neutral to acidic soil. Performs especially well in very damp groundPosition: Full sun, dappled shadeSeason of Interest: Interesting winter bark, autumn colourHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: Up to 65ft (20m) Spread: 30ft (10m)