Habitat:
Usually found along stream banks and in swampy bottomlands, the river
birch grows best in deep, rich, acid, moist soils, but also survives
in drier soils. It withstands periodic flooding and is a medium to slow
grower. It prefers a warmer climate than most birches and is the best choice
for planting in hotter climates.
Diseases: This species is more reliably resistant to borers than the white-barked birches, and is cited as one of the most trouble-free birches. Leaf spot may sometimes cause premature defoliation and alkaline soils, especially in the Midwest, may lead to chlorosis.
Distribution: This birch is the most widely-distributed native birch in the US, occurring on moist sites from Massachusetts to northern Florida, west to Minnesota and Kansas. It is common along the Mississippi and Wapsipinicon rivers in eastern Iowa, and is widely planted throughout the state.
