River Birch (Red Birch)

River birches (Betula nigra); taken beside the Merrimack River

This native tree changes color as it ages, which is why it has so many names - the river birch, red birch and black birch. Older trees take on a dark red or even black color. The iconic light-brown bark of the young river birch actually peels off of the tree (see right). Just like human skin sheds, so does tree bark, though most of the time this process is not visible. The river birch is an exception.

These trees are picky about where they grow - they need a lot of sun and prefer open spaces, and (as the name "river birch" implies) like very moist soil along the banks of freshwater. Typically these trees are short-lived in urban spaces due a lack of water. However, in Lowell you will often find these trees thriving along the Merrimack and Concord Rivers, where there is plenty of water and fewer buildings to provide shade.

On top of providing oxygen and reducing atmospheric carbon levels, these trees also help to prevent riverbank erosion and helps to reduce the heat on paved surfaces (especially helpful in cities!). These plants are often planted ornamentally because of their unique appearance, and are native to North America as well!

 

FUN FACT

Many other birches are negatively impacted by various leafminers (bugs whose larvae live in and eat the leaves of plants) and especially the bronze birch borer bug. River birches are resistant to these bugs though, giving them an edge in the fight for survival!