River Birch Heritage
Betula nigra 'Cully'
An award-winning native tree celebrated for its stunning exfoliating bark that peels in papery layers of cream, salmon, and cinnamon brown, creating year-round visual interest. This fast-growing beauty thrives in wet soils where other trees struggle, making it perfect for low-lying areas while also tolerating drought once established. Its graceful, slightly weeping habit and resistance to bronze birch borer make it the most reliable birch for home landscapes.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
30-70 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for River Birch Heritage in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
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River Birch Heritage · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry, Occasionally Wet. Water: BET-yoo-luh NY-gruh. Height: 30 ft. 0 in. - 70 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 40 ft. 0 in. - 60 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The tree produces a 1 to 1½ inch cone-like fruit that contains tiny seeds. Small nutlet, about 400,000 seeds per pound, seed is shed in the spring.
Color: Gold/Yellow. Type: Nut.
Garden value: Edible
Harvest time: Spring, Summer
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: Central & Eastern U.S.A
Advantages
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Moths, Small Mammals, Songbirds
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Wild Ginger
Thrives in similar moist, acidic soil conditions and provides attractive groundcover
Astilbe
Enjoys partial shade under birch canopy and adds colorful spring blooms
Hosta
Tolerates shade and moisture, creates layered understory planting
Ferns
Natural woodland companions that thrive in moist, shaded conditions
Coral Bells
Provides year-round foliage color and tolerates variable moisture
Japanese Painted Fern
Adds silvery foliage contrast and enjoys similar growing conditions
Bleeding Heart
Woodland native that appreciates filtered shade and moist soil
Caladium
Colorful shade-loving annual that complements birch's light canopy
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can stunt birch growth and cause leaf yellowing
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of nearby trees and compete for water
Norway Maple
Dense shade and shallow roots compete heavily for water and nutrients
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to bronze birch borer, leaf spot resistant
Common Pests
Aphids, leaf miners (minor issues)
Diseases
Generally disease-free, occasional leaf spot in humid conditions