Dura Heat River Birch (clump)

Dura Heat River Birch (Betula nigra 'Dura Heat' Clump)
Height: 50 feet Spread: 45 feet Sunlight: Full sun Hardiness Zone: 4a Other Names: Red Birch
 
Description: The Dura Heat River Birch (clump) is a variety highly valued for its stunning bark, featuring a mix of white, brown, and tan colors peeling from mature trunks. This multi-trunked form is more heat-tolerant than the species, with good fall color. It requires acidic soil and is susceptible to chlorosis in alkaline soils.
 
Ornamental Features:
Flowers: Subtle chartreuse catkins in early spring.
Foliage: Emerald green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall.
Bark: Peeling creamy white bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.
 
Landscape Attributes:
Dense multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a rounded form.
Fine texture that sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.
Low-maintenance tree; should be pruned in summer after leaves have fully developed to avoid 'bleeding' sap.
No significant negative characteristics.
 
Recommended Uses:
Accent
Shade
 
Planting & Growing:
Grows to about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 45 feet.
Low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, making it unsuitable for planting under power lines.
Grows at a fast rate and can live for 70 years or more under ideal conditions.
Thrives in full sunlight.
Amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. May require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat.
Not particular about soil type but has a definite preference for acidic soils. Subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils.
Highly tolerant of urban pollution and will thrive in inner-city environments.
Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates.
This is a selection of a native North American species.