Description
It can be used as specimen or small groupings for lawns, parks and commercial properties, and, in particular, for wet soils along ponds, streams or in low spots.
The wood of sweet birch is medium heavy, medium hard and dark brown with a little red. Sapwood is light brown or yellow. The wood, which tends to warp, slowly gets darker after it is exposed to air.
Plant Specifications
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
Common Name |
river birch |
Maximum Reachable Height |
40.00 to 70.00 feet |
Flower Colour |
brown or yellow |
Bloom Time |
April to May |
Difficulty Level |
easy to grow |
Planting and care
River birch is perhaps the most culturally adaptable and heat tolerant of the birches. Prefers moist, acidic, fertile soils including semi-aquatic conditions, but also tolerates drier soils.Consider using soaker hoses and bark mulches to keep the root zones cool and moist. Adapts well to heavy clay soils of Missouri and will tolerate poor drainage.Avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running.Betula lenta care
Easily grown average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade.
Sunlight |
Full sun to part shade |
Watering |
Medium to wet |
Soil |
well-drained soil |
Temperature |
7 C (45 F) |
Fertilizer |
Apply any organic fertilizer |
Betula lenta special feature
Over time, furniture made from sweet birch looks like mahogany, and its wood is stronger than mahogany and black cherry.
Betula lenta uses
Medicinal Use:
- In every form, birch makes an excellent tonic and detoxifier, mainly working on the urinary system to remove waste products, as in kidney or bladder stone, gravel, gout, and rheumatism
Culinary Use:
- Commercially in the past for production of oil