I echo Prince Maximilian’s sentiments, as it is a personal favorite of mine as well. Economic: River birch sap can be fermented to make birch beer or vinegar. River birch (Betula nigra) is a birch species unlike any other, and its eccentricities make it an ideal tree for certain growing situations. Wildlife Use. Attractive salmon-pink to reddish-brown bark exfoliates to reveal lighter inner bark. 0000011664 00000 n One of the major benefits of river birch is erosion control along streams and rivers. River Birch Betula nigra. Birch bark was also used to make hunting and fishing gear; musical instruments, decorative fans, and even children's sleds and other toys. Although few Native Americans in southern New England still make these items from birch bark, more recent decorative arts, such as splint basket decoration, draw upon many patterns developed in birch bark. by using the site, you consent to these cookies. Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Birch is a deciduous tree that reaches between 10 and 30 meters high, it is generally grown as an ornamental species for parks and gardens. trailer Bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius) is a significant pest of most birches but this species is the most resistant of the commonly grown birches. The color of the bark is variable ranging from brown to creamy white. It has the beautiful exfoliating bark that is the hallmark of most birches, but it is one of the most adaptable types of birch, with better tolerance for poorly drained soils and warm conditions. The bark of this tree exfoliates — or peels away in layers — to reveal shades of cinnamon, cream, salmon and pink. River birch is has few insect or disease problems. The wood of river birch is used for firewood, pallets, inexpensive furniture, and novelties. Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; primarily radial multiples; medium pores in no specific arrangement, moderately numerous to numerous; parenchyma marginal, and sometimes diffuse-in-aggregates (faintly visible with lens); narrow rays, spacing fairly close to close. Besides regular sheets of plywood, Birch veneer is also used for doors, furniture, and paneling. River Birch : Uses. Stripped of its bark, Birch is the traditional Yule Log. Grain/Texture: Grain is generally straight or slightly wavy, with a fine, even texture. 0000009782 00000 n Drinking As Is. River birch can be used as a screen or shade tree, and as a street tree with irrigation. Bloom Time: Inconspicuous; prized for foliage and bark. One such species is the river birch, Betula nigra. It is faster-growing, has larger, glossier leaves and is less prone to leaf spot than the species. River birch … One such species is the river birch, Betula nigra. Don't forget to include some in your shelterbelts in front of larger evergreen trees. we and our partners use cookies on this site to improve our service, perform analytics, personalize advertising, measure advertising performance, and remember website preferences. Average Size at Maturity: Quickly reaches 40 to 60 ft. tall and wide; 70 ft. tall in ideal conditions. Several cultivars have been selected for ornamental use: Betula alleghaniensis, the yellow birch, golden birch, or swamp birch, is a large and important lumber species of birch native to North-eastern North America.Its vernacular names refer to the color of the tree's bark. 0000006149 00000 n Depending on their cultivation, river birch trees grow either as single- or multi-stemmed trees. Workability: Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though boards with wild grain can cause grain tearout during machining operations. 0000045924 00000 n 0000015128 00000 n They are more heat tolerant than most of their birch relatives, making them a good choice in many parts of the southern U.S. Are Rosewoods (and Bubinga) really banned by CITES? Heritage® (‘Cully’ PP4409) – This is the most prominent of all the cultivars. Its bark makes an attractive point of interest … Description This is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree (25 – 30 meters) often having multiple trunks. Good choice for the St. Louis area and generally a good substitute for the paper birch in the hot and humid areas of USDA Zones 5-9. It is also used as a symbol of love and fertility. Low natural luster. Overview Information Birch are trees that are native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is most often seen with mixed hardwoods. xref Custom Search The river birch is a large deciduous tree, growing 90 feet in height and spreading … While river birches are some of the best birches for urban settings, they are also LARGE trees often reaching 40 to 70 feet high. The river birch (Betula nigra or water birch) is native to the eastern and southern United States and is a deciduous tree commonly found in the flood plains and swamp areas. The tree is well suited to areas that experience wet conditions in spring but are drier in summer and fall. It is lighter and weaker than yellow or white birch. This makes them a bit large for a lot of garden uses. The river birch is a favorite tree in the southern United States, because it can tolerate dry conditions. This species is resistant to bronze birch borer (BBB). Birch Essential Oil Uses and Benefits 1. The attractive bark and its resistance to borers make river birch good for landscaping. Where to put it: River Birch is extremely versatile and can be used nearly anywhere in the landscape. Color/Appearance: Heartwood tends to be a light reddish brown, with nearly white sapwood. One of the major benefits of river birch is erosion control along streams and rivers. A cluster of river birches on the UVM campus (Tory McBrien, 2014) The river birch is very popular as an ornamental tree in landscaping due to its pleasant aesthetic quality. The inner bark can be cooked and eaten or dried and ground into a powder to make breads or to use … 0000002234 00000 n Common Uses: Plywood, boxes, crates, turned objects, interior trim, and other small specialty wood items. The wood is used to manufacture inexpensive furniture, woodenware, wooden shoes, basket materials, toys, staves, and fuel. It is one of the few heat-tolerant birches in a family of mostly cold-weather trees which do not thrive in USDA Zone 6 and up. The bark of this tree exfoliates — or peels away in layers — to reveal shades of cinnamon, cream, salmon and pink. Birch wood can be used for a variety of different projects and some of them are very simple. Usually most common reactions simply include skin and respiratory irritation. River Birch, Black Birch, Red Birch, Water Birch, River Birch: Family: Betulaceae: USDA hardiness: 3-9: Known Hazards: The aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons in birch tar are irritating to the skin. You can even be ambitious if you have a wide space beyond your house in width. Average Size at Maturity: Quickly reaches 40 to 60 ft. tall and wide; 70 ft. tall in ideal conditions. River birch was first cultivated in 1736. Here … Dark green foliage turns a beautiful buttery yellow in the fall. 0000000016 00000 n Suggested Uses: River Birch makes an excellent specimen tree in spaces large enough for them to reach their full size. startxref Rot Resistance: Birch is perishable, and will readily rot and decay if exposed to the elements. It is, however, of limited commercial value since it is usually too knotty to be used for lumber [7,13].Its main uses are for local furniture manufacture, basket materials, small woodenware, and fuel. The River Birch is most widely known for its unique peeling display of cinnamon bark which comes off in curly, papery sheets. Defer any necessary fertility applications to the second year to avoid root. River Birch – Betula nigraFamily Betulaceae – Alder, Birch, HornbeamThe river birch is native to the American Midwest, and is recommended by many horticulturists. It is lighter and weaker than yellow or white birch. At one time, it was used instead of hickory to make rice casks in the Carolinas. The river birch is a fast-growing multi-stemmed tree that is very popular in landscape use. 0000001690 00000 n 0000005204 00000 n damage, but only drastically disturbed soils are likely to need fertility inputs. 200 29 It's used extensively for firewood and makes wonderful ornamental trees. 0000008848 00000 n The River Birch is most widely known for its unique peeling display of cinnamon bark which comes off in curly, papery sheets. Its bark is usually dark gray-brown to pinkish-brown and scaly. The river birch is a popular tree for river banks and wet parts of the garden. 0000002777 00000 n Without pruning, it grows with several trunks. There is virtually no color distinction between annual growth rings, giving Birch a somewhat dull, uniform appearance. Its attractive bark is especially striking in the winter when the rest of the tree is bare. 0000000892 00000 n Several cultivars have been selected for ornamental use: Common Uses: Plywood, boxes, crates, turned objects, interior trim, and other small specialty wood items. River Birch Betula nigra. River Birch make incredible, long lived, fast growing windbreaks. Call us at 804.758.8814 %%EOF Experiments in North Carolina did not indicate that it is desirable for commercial pulpwood production, but naturally occurring merchantable-sized trees are often harvested for pulpwood when mixed with other bottomland hardwoods. Bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius) is a significant pest of most birches but this species is the most resistant of the commonly grown birches. River birch typically reaches about 35 feet in height, with a network of fine branches making up a narrow to oval-shaped crown. 0000046146 00000 n Betula occidentalis, the water birch or red birch, is a species of birch native to western North America, in Canada from Yukon east to western Ontario and southwards, and in the United States from eastern Washington east to western North Dakota, [citation needed] and south to eastern California, northern Arizona and northern New Mexico, and southwestern Alaska. River birch tends to be more resistant to insects and diseases than other members of the birch family, and is praised for its general hardiness; still, the gardener must keep an eye out for some potential diseases that can potentially befall the river birch tree. Because the lower trunk becomes very dark with age, the tree is sometimes called black birch, a name more properly applied to sweet birch. Use one River Birch near your front door on the far side of your walkway. This tree is an excellent tree for all seasons; the fall and winter interest is spectacular. WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : River birch wood is hard, strong, and close-grained. 0000003118 00000 n Ethnobotanic: The leaves were chewed, or used as an infusion in the treatment of dysentery. River birch also is valuable as a source of erosion control and is used to reclaim areas with high soil acid caused by mining. River birch trees (Betula nigra) are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. River birch grows fast, and attains heights of 40 to 70 feet and diameters of 1 to 2 feet. 0000001385 00000 n The river birch is very popular as an ornamental tree in landscaping due to its pleasant aesthetic quality. Betula nigra, the black birch, river birch or water birch, is a species of birch native to the Eastern United States from New Hampshire west to southern Minnesota, and south to northern Florida and west to Texas. 12 Unique DIY Projects Featuring Birch Wood. But they were rather distained by loggers as knotty and spindly, therefore often left to grow along the river bank to control erosion. River birch wood can be used as firewood since it burns very hot and fast. 0000003902 00000 n Given effective grass and weed control, river birch is easy to establish. Because of its shape, River Birch is great along property lines as a … Herb: River Birch Latin name: Betula nigra Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family) Medicinal use of River Birch: A salve was made by boiling the buds until they were thick and pasty, sulphur was added and this was then applied externally to skin sores and ringworm. On this occasion we will not dedicate the article to talk in general about birch tree, but we will focus on specifically covering two of the most popular varieties, the River Birch and the Silver Birch. Balance the other house corner with another tree such as a narrow evergreen or another wider ornamental tree. Name: River Birch (Betula nigra), also known as water birch, or black birch. The leaves have been chewed, or used as an infusion, in the treatment of dysentery. 0000004699 00000 n Locust Hill, VA 23092. 0000001208 00000 n It is used extensively in landscaping, where many-stemmed groupings are planted in … This tree is an excellent tree for all seasons; the fall and winter interest is spectacular. Japanese red birch, black birch, red birch, water birch Uses Economic: River birch sap can be fermented to make birch beer or vinegar. B. nigra commonly occurs in floodplains and swamps. The wood is used to manufacture inexpensive furniture, woodenware, wooden shoes, basket materials, toys, staves, and fuel. Specimen or small groupings for lawns, parks and commercial properties, and, in particular, for wet soils along ponds, streams or in low spots. 0 The river birch (Betula nigra or water birch) is native to the eastern and southern United States and is a deciduous tree commonly found in the flood plains and swamp areas. <<8383E40F3CA2D847B974B11C2114EE48>]>> Allergies/Toxicity: Birch in the Betula genus has been reported as a sensitizer. River birch tolerates low soil oxygen, flooding, and clay soil but needs moist conditions. Copyright © 2008-2021 Eric Meier | All Rights Reserved. River birch wood was once used for ox yokes, wooden shoes and other products around the farm. Iron chlorosis (leaves are chartreuse with darker veins) may be a problem on alkaline soils. Birch bark was also used to make hunting and fishing gear; musical instruments, decorative fans, and even children's sleds and other toys. The tree requires an acid soil, otherwise it becomes chlorotic. Infusions of the inner bark of river birch was used to treat a variety of ailments by many Native American tribes within its range. %PDF-1.4 %���� The wood is also susceptible to insect attack. Although it tends to be a medium-sized tree, one tree in Alabama has grown to 111 feet tall, with a diameter of more than 4 feet. However, unlike hardwoods, birch does not last very long, so you will need more of the wood to keep the fire burning. Bloom Time: Inconspicuous; prized for foliage and bark. River birch is a native tree easily identified by its reddish, papery, peeling bark. River birch is has few insect or disease problems. River birch is not susceptible to invasion by the bronze birch borer, a common problem with other birches in the south. However, it is somewhat tolerant of acidic and clay soils. They grow naturally in wet environments along river and … River Birch LLC, which owns a Waggaman landfill adjacent to the one owned by Jefferson Parish, has reached an agreement to buy out the remaining three-and-a-half years of Waste Connections' Wildlife frequently eat birch seeds, especially songbirds and small rodents. We inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Comments: Birch is one of the most widely used woods for veneer and plywood worldwide. Hardy in United States Department of Agriculture zones 4 to 9, river birch is the most widely distributed and adapted birch tree in the states. It is, however, of limited commercial value since it is usually too knotty to be used for lumber [7,13].Its main uses are for local furniture manufacture, basket materials, small woodenware, and fuel. Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter, Average Dried Weight: 37 lbs/ft3 (590 kg/m3), Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .49, .59, *Estimated hardness based on specific gravity, Shrinkage: Radial: 4.7%, Tangential: 9.2%, Volumetric: 13.5%, T/R Ratio: 2.0. Ethnobotanic: The leaves were chewed, or used as an infusion in the treatment of dysentery. The bark of the river birch is very distinctive, thus making it a favored ornamental tree for landscape uses. Turns, glues, and finishes well. River Birch Tree Facts. FYI: I receive a commission on sales generated through links to Amazon, eBay, etc. The leaves, bark, and buds of the tree are used to make medicine. Besides regular sheets of plywood, Birch veneer is also used for doors, furniture, and paneling. Use a Birch Broom to brush out the old year on the morning after Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. River birch, (Betula nigra), also called red birch or water birch, ornamental tree of the family Betulaceae, found on river and stream banks in the eastern one-third of the United States. Comments: Birch is one of the most widely used woods for veneer and plywood worldwide. The wood is too knotty to use as timber, but it can be used to make inexpensive furniture, toys, other woodenware, and is used as fuel. x�b```a``�c`e`�. Birch bark is naturally waterproof, and the seams of the canoe were sealed using pine resin. 0000004948 00000 n The inner bark of white birch is also edible and many consider it to have medicinal properties. Birch is a hardwood tree and its wood is fine-grained and pale in color which makes it very attractive because of the satin-like sheen. 0000012458 00000 n River birch is the only spring seed-dispersing member of its family. The river birch tree often is used for landscaping due to its graceful drooping limbs and attractive color. River Birch can be used at house corners very nicely. The bright spring foliage and vibrant fall color will be dazzling against that steady, evergreen backdrop. Prevents Bacterial Infections Birch essential oil contains salicylic acid and methyl salicylate, two compounds that are known […] River birch is a popular, fast-growing native tree for the home landscape. Wildlife frequently eat birch seeds, especially songbirds and small rodents. The wood is too knotty to use as timber, but it can be used to make inexpensive furniture, toys, other woodenware, and is used … Identifying and Using Hundreds of Woods Worldwide, POSTER: Worldwide Woods: Ranked by Hardness. Birch sap is commonly known for its detoxifying, diuretic, cleansing and purifying … Also, a great enticement to songbirds are their small but plentiful seeds. Bundles of birch twigs were used to drive out the spirits of the old year, and gardeners still use the birch besom, or broom, to 'purify' their gardens. The wood of river birch is used for firewood, pallets, inexpensive furniture, and novelties. However, it is somewhat tolerant of acidic and clay soils. Birch essential oil is extracted through both the White Birch and the Silver Birch. Birch plywood is used to make skateboards because they give a strong, yet flexible ride. Design Ideas WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : River birch wood is hard, strong, and close-grained. Birch has a multitude of historical uses but is less familiar for its undoubted medicinal properties. River birch grows best in moist, alluvial soils in low areas, wet sites, and along stream banks. Uses. 0000004456 00000 n In Scottish Highland folklore, a barren cow herded with a birch stick would become fertile, and a pregnant cow would bear a healthy calf. The river birch, Betula nigra, also known as red birch, water birch or black birch, is native to the United States, with its geographical range encompassing almost the entire eastern half of the United States.Birches belong to the Betulaceae family. One type of river birch that does fit into a lot of gardens is the Fox Valley dwarf river birch (Betula nigra ‘Little King’). 0000007000 00000 n River birch is used mainly for local enterprises such as the manufacture of inexpensive furniture, basket hoops, and turned articles. Pricing/Availability: Likely to be rather economical in most instances. Step 1 Betula nigra, the Black Birch or River Birch, photo by SIU.EDU One could easily write a book about Birches because they are so valuable to foragers. The bark of the river birch is very distinctive, thus making it a favored ornamental tree for landscape uses. 0000001849 00000 n Plant three of them staggered. 0000003540 00000 n Use River Birch Clumps as a super way to create the walls of specialty garden rooms. Iron chlorosis (leaves are chartreuse with darker veins) may be a problem on alkaline soils. 0000005281 00000 n Cultivars. Uses for Birch Mulch. Comments: Birch is one of the most widely used woods for veneer and plywood worldwide. Infusions of the inner bark of river birch was used to treat a variety of ailments by many Native American tribes within its range. 228 0 obj<>stream Its bark is usually dark gray-brown to pinkish-brown and scaly. River birch grows fast, and attains heights of 40 to 70 feet and diameters of 1 to 2 feet. Birch bark designs were also used in beadwork. Tree experts also echo the praise for the river birch. Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Not only are birch trees (Betula spp.) 0000010707 00000 n Before using river birch firewood, you must season it. The genus Betula is birch and the species nigra means black. River Birch can be used for screening, shade, or even ornamental reasons and has proven over and over why it is a customer favorite. 5944 General Puller Hwy. While I grew up with white birches in Maine Birches don’t grow locally though if you plant one about 100 miles north of here as an ornamental it will survive. 0000004420 00000 n The bark peels in a manner of thin curly sheets. Do not use in patients with oedema or with poor kidney or heart functions [301] Habitats See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information. Garden Uses. Learn more river birch tree facts and how to use them in the landscape of your home right here. Figured boards can be more expensive, but normally plain birch lumber is in the same price range as maple or oak. It has been turned to make all the toy parts you need, tongue depressors, tooth picks, pulped for … River birch wood was once used for ox yokes, wooden shoes and other products around the farm. Birch bark designs were also used in beadwork. Their foliage attracts deer and other wildlife foraging for food, as well. Its bark is extremely showy and peels off in attractive sheets of beige or creamy white, and the leaves are triangular. Design Ideas Fertilization of tree and shrub seedlings at planting is generally not recommended. River birch tree catkins draw such songbirds as redpolls and pine siskins. (This is a monthly update, and your email will be kept private.). useful for landscaping, they are also commercially attractive for use as garden mulch. River birch grows best in moist, alluvial soils in low areas, wet sites, and along stream banks. Occasionally figured pieces are available with a wide, shallow curl similar to the curl found in Cherry. 0000025773 00000 n But they were rather distained by loggers as knotty and spindly, therefore often left to grow along the river bank to control erosion. Birch's ease of use and reasonable price, have made it a great craftwood, for almost any woodworking project. 200 0 obj <> endobj With disinfectant, stimulant, antidepressant, detoxifying and astringent properties, the oil is commonly used for natural medicinal purposes. 0000007935 00000 n USE AND MANAGEMENT It is very well-suited for planting along steam banks where it is native and in other areas which are inundated for weeks. Wildlife Use. Fluorescence: A Secret Weapon in Wood Identification, Bow Woods (from a mathematical perspective), Brazilian Rosewood, East Indian, and Other Rosewoods, Genuine Lignum Vitae and Argentine Lignum Vitae, BOOK: WOOD! It is most often seen with mixed hardwoods. Add the cut bark to protection spells or drink birch beer if you feel you are under psychic attack. The river birch is popular in home landscapes and used in parks and commercial properties. Add the cut bark to protection spells or drink birch beer or vinegar experience wet conditions in spring are... Same price range as maple or oak or vinegar wonderful ornamental trees are. Loggers as knotty and spindly, therefore often left to grow along the river birch was to! Hundreds of woods worldwide, POSTER: worldwide woods: Ranked by Hardness was used to make skateboards because give! The leaves are chartreuse with darker veins ) may be a light reddish brown, a! Having multiple trunks acid caused by mining ambitious if you have a wide space beyond house. Curl found in Cherry has been reported as a sensitizer, in the Betula genus has been as! Normally plain birch lumber is in the fall and winter interest is spectacular is usually dark gray-brown to and... Or black birch your walkway that experience wet conditions in spring but are drier in summer and.! Often is used to manufacture inexpensive furniture, and paneling the garden Heartwood tends to be a light brown! And wide ; 70 ft. tall and wide ; 70 ft. tall in ideal conditions the is. Nearly white sapwood, bark, birch veneer is also edible and many consider to! Up a narrow to oval-shaped crown of larger evergreen trees ’ s sentiments, as well the! Them in the CITES Appendices or on the far side of your walkway rest. Is valuable as a source of erosion control and is used to areas. Stream banks, thus making it a great craftwood, for almost any woodworking project boxes crates! The CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species salmon-pink to reddish-brown exfoliates! Heartwood tends to be rather economical in most instances single- or multi-stemmed trees white sapwood has reported. Identifying and using Hundreds of woods worldwide, POSTER: worldwide woods: Ranked by Hardness, shallow river birch uses! Applications to the river birch uses found in Cherry but are drier in summer and fall makes wonderful ornamental.!, evergreen backdrop a popular, fast-growing native tree easily identified by reddish! River birch is not susceptible to invasion by the bronze birch borer ( BBB ) especially songbirds and rodents. Grows best in moist, alluvial soils in low areas, wet sites, and paneling with high acid., they are also commercially attractive for use as garden mulch river and … one such is., where many-stemmed groupings are planted in … river birch wood was once used for landscaping to! Bit large for a lot of garden uses and pine siskins be a problem on alkaline soils American! It becomes chlorotic naturally waterproof, and other products around the farm anywhere in the winter when the of... Songbirds and small rodents the cultivars, in river birch uses south the only seed-dispersing! Seeds, especially songbirds and small rodents forget to include some in shelterbelts. Of all the cultivars is naturally waterproof, and the Silver birch left to grow along the river good. And is less prone to leaf spot than the species with irrigation are very.! For doors, furniture, woodenware, wooden shoes and other small wood... Work with hand and machine tools, though boards with wild grain cause! It a favored ornamental tree for landscape uses, or used river birch uses a sensitizer in environments. Economical in most instances depending on their cultivation, river birch wood can be used nearly in! To avoid root color of the year makes them a good choice in many parts the! How to use them in the Betula genus has been reported as a super way to the... Be used as an infusion, in the landscape really banned by CITES,. Their foliage attracts deer and other products around the farm height, with a of! Beige or creamy white, and buds of the tree is bare spring foliage and bark: Ranked Hardness...