Betula nigra (River birch)

River Birch (Betula nigra) Height, Spread: 30-70 ft, 40-60 ft Water/Soil: Moist, Well-Drained, Acidic, Neutral, Clay, Sand, Loam Light: Full Sun-Partial Shade Bloom: Goldish-green catkin, Spring Native Range: Eastern & Central USA Qualities: Host Plant, Wildlife Resource, NC Native Notes: Deciduous flowering tree, the only native birch that does well in low elevations in the south. Commonly found in riparian areas in the wild. This host plant supports many butterfly and moth caterpillars, including the Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus), Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). Birds and mammals will eat its seeds and foliage. Good for erosion control.