River Birch-Betula Nigra

Think about this:

The River Birch is quickly becoming as ubiquitous as maples and oaks in the U.S. Even a novice can readily identify a young River Birch tree from its distinctive bark that peels like paper. Less known about the River Birch is that it was widely used by Native Americans for making beer, dyeing clothes, and making simple furniture. Today it is largely used for landscaping since the tree is a fast and hardy grower.

It is also considered to be a pioneer species. Where there is a barren stream bank, the River Birch quickly colonizes, stabilizing the soil, helping other trees to develop into a forest.

Are you that type of person? Someone who breaks new ground, a missionary that will help and encourage others to grow to their full potential? Are there teachers or mentors in your life that faithfully prepared your way? Is it time for you to be a pioneer for someone else in your life?

Learn More:

The River Birch-Betula nigra, is a medium-sized tree with an oval or rounded top, reaching heights of 40 to 70 feet tall. They do best in moist conditions and tolerate drier soil better than other Birch trees. A great value to wildlife; their plentiful seeds feed redpolls, pine siskins, and a wild variety or other songbirds and mammals. Best known for paper-like curled bark and multiple trunks, the River Birch is very heat tolerant. Native Americans used boiled sap as sweetener. The Ojibwe Legend tells "How the Birch Tree Got It's Burns".