Betula nigra
Betulaceae
More tolerant of urban conditions than other birches. Prefers cool, moist sites, but tolerates some heat and drought stress. Ornamental peeling bark. Commonly cultivated and planted.
Summary
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_climate_tol.png)
NA
Wildlife Benefits
Seeds food source for songbirds, gamebirds, mammals; bat roosting site; moth/butterfly host
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
4 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
317
Bloom Time
Spring (Feb-Mar)
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_shade_sun_tol.png)
Part Shade: Receives 2-4 hours of direct sunlight, preferably in the morning
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_max_height.png)
Medium (40-75 ft)
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_growth_rate.png)
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_soil_type.png)
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Silt: Medium sized particles. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_soil_moisture_tol.png)
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Ectomycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on outside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; Resistant to bronze birch borer
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_urban_stress_tol.png)
High: Tree can adapt to a variety of urban conditions and will grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
9
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
- Beech Mixed: Absent
- Oak Mixed: Absent
- Alluvial: Absent
- Red Maple Mixed: Absent
- Ruderal: Absent
- Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
Form
Tree
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_lifespan.png)
Short: Less than 100 years
Soil pH
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACW: Facultative Wetland, usually occurs in wetlands, but may occur in non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant: Tolerant to both aerial salt spray and salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Portage
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern