River Birch, Red Birch, Tropical birch
Betula nigra

Family: Betulaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows 9-30 m high. It forks about 3-6 m above the ground to form a broad crown. The bark is dark and furrowed in older trees. The leaves are triangular with irregular teeth along the edge. They are 10 cm long. They taper at the base and are pointed to the tip. There are hairs on the veins underneath. The male and female flowers are on catkins on the same tree. Male catkins are 7.5 cm long and yellow-brown and hang down. Female catkins are green and upright. The fruit is a catkin which breaks up when ripe.

There are about 60 Betula species. They grow in cool north temperate climates.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally along river banks. It needs damp soils. It is frost resistant but damaged by drought. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America (country/location of origin), Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The sap contains sugar. It is used to make a drink. It can be boiled down to sugar. It is also fermented into birch beer.

Edible parts

Bark, sap

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Betula rubra Michx.;