Betula nigra (red birch, river birch). Origin: Eastern part of the USA. Imported in Europe in 1736. Height 10-15 m, capricious crown with spreading to overhanging branches and soft twigs. The trunk forks at crown height. The bark of young trees is silver-white to grey, strongly peeling in curly, paper-thin strips that stay on the tree for a long time. Trunk and older branches blackish-brown. Leaf almost rhombic, shiny dark green. Striking yellow autumn colouring.

Betula nigra is a beautiful park tree, grows on all soils and endures both moistness and drought. Ornamental specimen tree, or in groups on wide green banks.