Betula nigra

Betula nigra is a small-medium tree, native across the southeast. It is found in wet soils, often near rivers, as the common name of River birch suggests. It has attractive papery bark and is commonly cultivated. It prefers to be in wet soils, but can tolerate occasional dryness. Betula nigra is great for restoration projects, or as a specimen tree in a yard or on the street. It is a host plant to several native butterflies, and the seeds are eaten by many birds.