River Birch vs Kentucky Coffeetree - TreeTime.ca

River Birch vs Kentucky Coffeetree

Betula nigra

Gymnocladus dioicus

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NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

River Birch
Kentucky Coffeetree

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.

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 Quick Facts

Kentucky Coffeetree Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 12 m (39 ft)
Height: 21 m (70 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Bark: dark gray-brown or pinkish-brown and scaly
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: high




Toxicity: Uncooked pods are toxic to humans
Other Names: black birch, water birch
Other Names: coffeetree