River Birch vs Kentucky Coffeetree - TreeTime.ca

River Birch vs Kentucky Coffeetree

Gymnocladus dioicus

Betula nigra

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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)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Bark: dark gray-brown or pinkish-brown and scaly
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: low



Toxicity: Uncooked pods are toxic to humans

Other Names: coffeetree
Other Names: black birch, water birch