Plants in genus betula
Betula nigra
Betula nigra, commonly known as river birch, is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It is notable for its peeling cinnamon-colored bark and diamond-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall. This tree grows well near water bodies, helping to control erosion, and can reach a mature height of 40 to 80 feet. It is tolerant of wet, moist, and salt-tolerant soils, thriving in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Betula papyrifera
Betula papyrifera, commonly known as paper birch, is an ornamental tree with distinctive white bark that peels to reveal a reddish-brown layer underneath. Its dark-green leaves turn a golden hue in autumn, adding seasonal interest. Widely distributed across North America, this birch prefers cool, moist sites and is used for firewood, furniture, and syrup production.
Betula pendula 'Youngii'
Betula pendula 'Youngii' is a graceful birch tree with a pendulous canopy and showy white bark. Its dark green, toothed leaves turn golden in fall, and it thrives in rich, slightly acidic soil with full sun or partial shade.
Betula nigra 'Heritage'
Betula nigra 'Heritage' is a fast-growing birch known for its highly ornamental, peeling bark and dark green, shiny leaves that turn clear yellow in fall. It can grow in moist soils and is adaptable to full sun or partial shade. This birch is rarely bothered by deer and is more resistant to insects and diseases than other varieties, making it a popular choice for rain gardens and as a street tree.
Betula populifolia 'Whitespire'
Betula populifolia 'Whitespire' is an elegant accent tree with chalky-white bark and a fast-growing, pyramidal form. It features shiny, dark green leaves that turn clear-yellow in fall and is known for its good pest resistance and urban tolerance. This tree thrives in cool, moist soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade, making it a low-maintenance choice for landscapes.
Betula lenta
Betula lenta, native to the eastern U.S., is a tree with brownish-black scaly bark and reddish-brown stems. It features toothy green foliage and pendulous catkins, with a strong wintergreen scent. This tree is bird-friendly, handles wet soils and drought, and is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Betula nigra 'Bnmtf'
Betula nigra 'Bnmtf' is a fast-growing shade tree with attractive exfoliating bark and green leaves that turn butter yellow in fall. It is heat and ice resistant, making it suitable for urban areas and adaptable to various climates. This tree prefers moist, slightly acidic soil.
Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica'
Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica' is a hardy variety of birch known for its white bark and weeping effect with pendulous branches. Its finely cut foliage turns yellow in fall, providing year-round interest. Native to Europe and New Zealand, this fast-growing tree tolerates heat and dry spells, thriving in full sun to part shade.
Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash'
Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash' is a tree with variegated foliage and exfoliating bark in shades of cinnamon and salmon-pink. It displays golden-yellow fall color and is adaptable across the United States. This tree is rarely bothered by deer and supports songbirds, thriving in full sun or partial shade.
Betula utilis ssp. jacquemontii
Betula utilis ssp. jacquemontii is a deciduous tree known for its striking white bark and yellow-green leaves that turn yellow in fall. It grows about 30 feet tall with a 20-foot spread and prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. This low-maintenance tree adds dramatic appeal to any landscape.
Betula pendula ssp. mandshurica 'Fargo'
Betula pendula ssp. mandshurica 'Fargo' is a hardy birch variety with a strong pyramidal canopy and vibrant yellow fall color. Its white exfoliating bark adds interest throughout the year, and it is seldom bothered by deer. This drought-tolerant tree is resistant to the bronze birch borer and thrives in cool, moist, slightly acidic soil.