River Birch vs Kentucky Coffeetree - TreeTime.ca

River Birch vs Kentucky Coffeetree

Gymnocladus dioicus

Betula nigra

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Kentucky Coffeetree
River Birch

The Kentucky Coffeetree has the largest leaves of any native tree in North America! In the summer, its large green canopy provides shade. While in the winter, its leathery bean pods act as a decorative element against the sky as they rattle in the wind. Beautiful year-round, this tree is an elegant addition to any landscape.

River Birch has beautiful, peeling, brown bark that reveals camel-colored and pink beneath. It is more borer resistant than white bark birches, which makes it a much longer-lived landscape tree.

Kentucky Coffeetree Quick Facts

River Birch Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 21 m (70 ft)
Height: 12 m (39 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: low

Toxicity: Uncooked pods are toxic to humans

Bark: dark gray-brown or pinkish-brown and scaly
Seeds: tiny winged seeds located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON
Other Names: coffeetree
Other Names: black birch, water birch