River Birch

Betula nigra

Zones: 4a to 9b

Fast-Growing Shade Tree
Peeling Ornamental Bark

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not applicable. Not a food plant

Hazard type

The NC State page lists no poison information. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No toxicity claim found from either ASPCA or NC State Extension for this species. No pet-safety verdict is given, because not appearing in a list does not show a plant is safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 4a to 9b
Mature size: 30-70 feet tall, 40-60 feet wide (NC State Extension).
Family: Betulaceae (birch family)
Where it comes from: Central and eastern US, from Vermont south to Florida, west to Texas, north through Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota (NC State Extension).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon