top of page

  

PLANT FINDER
tree

Dura Heat River Birch

Betula nigra 'Dura Heat'

Add To My Plant List

Dura Heat River Birch (Betula nigra 'Dura Heat') at Wallitsch Garden Center

Dura Heat River Birch bark

Dura Heat River Birch bark

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Dura Heat River Birch (Betula nigra 'Dura Heat') at Wallitsch Garden Center

Dura Heat River Birch

Dura Heat River Birch

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  50 feet

Spread:  45 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  4

Other Names:  Red Birch

Description:

This selection is valued for its stunning bark, with white, brown and tan colors all peeling from mature trunks, denser crown and more heat tolerant than the species; good fall color; requires acidic soil, susceptible to chlorosis in alkaline soils

Ornamental Features

Dura Heat River Birch features subtle chartreuse catkins in early spring. It has emerald green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall. The peeling creamy white bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Dura Heat River Birch is a dense deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dura Heat River Birch is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Shade

Planting & Growing

Dura Heat River Birch will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 45 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Accent  Shade 
Applications
Flowers  Fall Color  Bark  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features

Disclaimer - This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for availability. Additionally, the Plant Finder tool does not include our entire inventory of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.

Contact Us!

Address: 2608 Hikes Ln Louisville, KY

Phone: 1-502-454-3553

Email: askus@wallitsch.net

Hours of Operation

Monday- Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday : 11:00am - 5:00pm

​

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
bottom of page