Betula nigra river birch selection still being recognized

River birch's 'Heritage' cultivar was selected by the Society of Municipal Arborists as 2002 Tree of the Year. Since then it has been featured, promoted and recommended throught Missouri and Illinois as an outstanding choice for cultivated green spaces.
'Heritage' birch is a selection of one of Missouri's most popular and common native trees Betula nigra . 'Heritage' was found and propagated by Earl Cully from a tree growing naturally in Illinois that displayed outstanding bark color and classic form. It has wonderful ornamental value appropriate for commercial and residential use in the lower Midwest. Resistant to birch borer, it tolerates turf competition, lawn irrigation, and poor drainage.
It is a large hardy, fast-growing, nicely forked tree, so allow adequate room to enjoy its beautiful spreading natural habit. Because the birch wood is somewhat naturally pliable, it tends to be wind and ice resistant except in the most extreme conditions.

River birch is very attractive and worthy of specimen placement and uplighting opportunities. The many layers of bark peels in colorful flakes of cinnamon brown, salmon, peach, orange, and lavender and is a bonus in regions where paper and white birches are plagued by borers. It is especially notable during the dull gray days of winter!

For more tidbit information about Earl Cully's 'Heritage' Birch and its history click here