Identity
Category :
Arbre remarquable
Latin name :
Betula nigra
French name :
Bouleau noir
Dutch name :
Zwarte berk
English name :
River birch
Family :
Betula
Height :
18 m
Targeted height :
This species can grow up to 10–15 m
Diameter of the crown :
14 m
Trunk circumference :
14 m
Expected circumference :
200 cm
Expected longevity :
Can live for 100 years
Origin / Indigenous
United States of America, east and south-east
Favorite soil :
Prefers light and fresh soil, not too dry or too much clay
Favorite climate
Cool/temperate to boreal
Usefulness and services of the tree :
Enhances the landscape :
+++
Enhances the biodiversity :
++
Provide oxygen :
++
Purify the air :
++
Filter the water :
+++
Prevents flooding :
+++
Stores carbon :
++
Softens the climate :
++
Limits soil erosion :
++
Does good, heals :
+
Features and characters of the individual
When it was young, this river birch attracted the attention of walkers. They would take a detour to admire its beauty close up. Its bark was smooth, clear, and a yellow-to-brownish colour. It was as thin as parchment, peeling apart and curled over on itself. Today, you have to look up to catch a glimpse of this particular bark. With age, the trunk has cracked deeply and is turning darker. People passing by brush against this tree without noticing. In Autumn, however, it does not go unnoticed when its foliage turns bright yellow.
