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Dura Heat® River Birch
Betula nigra 'BNMTF'
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Shop Now >| Description | A more heat and drought tolerant form of this species, with superior insect and disease resistance. The pyramidal form features dense, glossy green leaves that fade to clear butter yellow in fall, and striking winter bark that is a pinkish orange with prominent exfoliation. This large tree is excellent for use as a focal point or shade tree. Deciduous. |
|---|---|
| Bloom Time | Inconspicuous; prized for foliage and bark. |
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Deciduous |
| Special Features | Attractive Bark, Fall Color, Improved Pest and Disease Resistance, Benefits Birds |
| Problems/Solutions | Coastal Exposure, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Very Wet Areas, Road Salt Tolerant |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Growth Habit | Pyramidal |
| Landscape Use | Windbreak, Shade Tree |
| Design Ideas | A beautiful tree best suited to planting in groves of three to five with others of its kind. Will make an excellent narrow front yard tree for limited spaces. It's a natural around water gardens, natural pools, streams and other wetlands where it thrives in the moisture. Use in mixed forest groves to add interest with white bark. Even suited to a minor windrow along driveway or property line. Nontoxic trees are a safe choice near horse corrals and livestock pens. |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Fall Color | Yellow |
| Companion Plants | Dogwood (Cornus); Chokeberry (Aronia); Clethra (Clethra); Wintergreen (Gaultheria); Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra) |
| Care Instructions | Thrives in deep, loamy, moist but well-drained soil amended with sand or gravel, but highly adaptable. Water deeply, regularly in first few growing seasons to establish root system; once established tolerates mild drought, but reaches maximum growth in rich, fertile, evenly moist soils. Fertilize in early spring. Seldom requires pruning. |
| History | This tree is native to river bottoms of the eastern United States ranging from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Kansas. The Latin name is a misnomer because this birch bears reddish bark, not nigra or black. French botanist Michaux got it right, originally classifying it as B. rubra. But only the English language classification persisted from the time a river birch was sent to Peter Collinson in England from John Bartram in the early 18th century, and it was he who chose the current designation. |
| Lore | The unique nature of the river birch wood makes it useful for fine turnings, artificial limbs and basket making. |
| Description | A more heat and drought tolerant form of this species, with superior insect and disease resistance. The pyramidal form features dense, glossy green leaves that fade to clear butter yellow in fall, and striking winter bark that is a pinkish orange with prominent exfoliation. This large tree is excellent for use as a focal point or shade tree. Deciduous. |
|---|---|
| Bloom Time | Inconspicuous; prized for foliage and bark. |
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Deciduous |
| Special Features | Attractive Bark, Fall Color, Improved Pest and Disease Resistance, Benefits Birds |
| Problems/Solutions | Coastal Exposure, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Very Wet Areas, Road Salt Tolerant |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Growth Habit | Pyramidal |
| Landscape Use | Windbreak, Shade Tree |
|---|---|
| Design Ideas | A beautiful tree best suited to planting in groves of three to five with others of its kind. Will make an excellent narrow front yard tree for limited spaces. It's a natural around water gardens, natural pools, streams and other wetlands where it thrives in the moisture. Use in mixed forest groves to add interest with white bark. Even suited to a minor windrow along driveway or property line. Nontoxic trees are a safe choice near horse corrals and livestock pens. |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Fall Color | Yellow |
| Companion Plants | Dogwood (Cornus); Chokeberry (Aronia); Clethra (Clethra); Wintergreen (Gaultheria); Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra) |
| Care Instructions | Thrives in deep, loamy, moist but well-drained soil amended with sand or gravel, but highly adaptable. Water deeply, regularly in first few growing seasons to establish root system; once established tolerates mild drought, but reaches maximum growth in rich, fertile, evenly moist soils. Fertilize in early spring. Seldom requires pruning. |
|---|
| History | This tree is native to river bottoms of the eastern United States ranging from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Kansas. The Latin name is a misnomer because this birch bears reddish bark, not nigra or black. French botanist Michaux got it right, originally classifying it as B. rubra. But only the English language classification persisted from the time a river birch was sent to Peter Collinson in England from John Bartram in the early 18th century, and it was he who chose the current designation. |
|---|---|
| Lore | The unique nature of the river birch wood makes it useful for fine turnings, artificial limbs and basket making. |
Frequently asked questions
Does Dura Heat® River Birch produce flowers?
Is Dura Heat® River Birch evergreen or deciduous?
What are the special features of Dura Heat® River Birch?
Is Dura Heat® River Birch resistant to pests or animals?
How fast does Dura Heat® River Birch grow?
What is the growth habit of Dura Heat® River Birch?
Where can I use Dura Heat® River Birch in my landscape?
How can I use Dura Heat® River Birch in my garden design?
What color is the foliage of Dura Heat® River Birch?
What plants grow well with Dura Heat® River Birch?
How do I care for Dura Heat® River Birch?
What is the history of Dura Heat® River Birch?
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About Us
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.



