Fox Valley® River Birch

If you love the look of birch trees, but have been scared of growing one because of pest problems, then a river birch is for you. The easiest and most pest resistant of all the birch trees, it tolerates much hotter conditions than paper birch, while still having handsome peeling bark. The Fox Valley® River Birch offers something else too – it’s a dwarf tree growing only to about 10 feet tall, and so the perfect way to bring a tree into the smallest garden. Perfect for urban courtyards and tiny spaces, you can be confident this tree isn’t going to engulf your garden, or die an early death from borers. Wow, the beauty of birch – in miniature. The 3-inch leaves are heart-shaped and flutter in the breeze, turning golden-yellow in fall. The bark is orange-brown, shedding in big, curly pieces to reveal a smooth, beige-brown inner bark in an endless display of unique beauty.

• Miniature tree to just 10 feet tall
• Handsome peeling bark in shades of orange, tan, beige and off-white
• Grows well in wet soil, heavy clay, and hotter zones
• Beautiful fall colors of glowing yellow
• Very resistant to borers and leaf diseases

The Fox Valley® River Birch grows best in full sun, or with just a little shade. It is fast-growing, and quickly develops a mature, multi-trunk and picturesque form. Water regularly, and don’t grow in dry places. A great choice beside water, and tolerates wet soil well. Highly resistant to birch borer, and leaf diseases too, and grows well in hot zones with sufficient soil moisture. Consider adding supplementary irrigation if in hotter zones and not beside water. Don’t prune or trim in spring, as the sap bleeds. Remove unwanted branches early to avoid creating unsightly scars.