River birch

Birch are among the hardiest trees on earth, and they are closely related to both alders and hazelnuts. They have a reputation for being difficult to grow and prone to pests, but this is not necessarily true. While birch do like moisture and are often riparian species, they are well suited to urban settings with adequate moisture.

River Birch, American Red Birch  (Betula fontinalis syn. Betula occidentalis)- Although usually a very large shrub or small tree, and almost always multi-trunked, the river birch has occasionally been found growing as a single trunked tree and can be up to 40 ft.! 15-20 ft. is about average, however, and although it is not often found in gardens, it is slowly becoming more available in the nursery trade. Native from Alaska through Colorado and common throughout the Rockies, river birch is almost always found growing near streams, ravines, creeks, and rivers. It has gorgeous, bronzy red bark and dark green leaves that turn brilliant yellow in the fall. The show lasts for weeks! Faster growing than many other birches, it is almost entirely resistant to the bronze birch borer. River birch should be planted more often because it can tolerate sun or shade, heavy soil, and is quite fast growing. It is known to sometimes hybridize with paper birch and together they have produced some rather stunning offspring. Zone 2.