I bought this River Birch (betula nigra) as a rooted twig in a 1.5" diameter tree cylinder. This tree is like a child to me and I must admit I'm a little obsessive about it. I planted it where my husband did a huge compost pile for ten years. He had to stop doing the pile because he hurt his back but the tree has
benefited greatly from his effort. This picture was taken a few years ago in the spring when the leaves are a fresh, light green. The bark is very shaggy, creamy white to cinnamon in color.
Love that bark.
I just took this picture showing the yellow fall color (along with a few crispy brown leaves). River Birches like to have their roots in a creek or stream where they can have a leisurely drink any time of the day. Of course I don't have a stream in my garden so I have to water it two or three times a week in the summer. (I'm a pisces. Maybe that's why I love to water so much)
If we go on water rationing next year I'll have to figure out how to keep it watered. Lots of buckets of grey water I suppose. I'd like to have it's roots right in the shower with me but I haven't figured out how to do that yet.
I bought this River Birch (betula nigra) as a rooted twig in a 1.5" diameter tree cylinder. This tree is like a child to me and I must admit I'm a little obsessive about it. I planted it where my husband did a huge compost pile for ten years. He had to stop doing the pile because he hurt his back but the tree has benefited greatly from his effort. This picture was taken a few years ago in the spring when the leaves are a fresh, light green. The bark is very shaggy, creamy white to cinnamon in color.
Love that bark.
I just took this picture showing the yellow fall color (along with a few crispy brown leaves). River Birches like to have their roots in a creek or stream where they can have a leisurely drink any time of the day. Of course I don't have a stream in my garden so I have to water it two or three times a week in the summer. (I'm a pisces. Maybe that's why I love to water so much)
If we go on water rationing next year I'll have to figure out how to keep it watered. Lots of buckets of grey water I suppose. I'd like to have it's roots right in the shower with me but I haven't figured out how to do that yet.
4 comments:
They are beautiful. I planted one at my last house. This year we removed a mostly-dead hawthorn and replaced it with a baby river birch. It's close to a boggy spot and thriving. Can't wait for it to start developing its characteristic bark.
I also obsess over exfoliating bark. It's probably my favorite botanical feature on woody plants.
Its a beauty! I'm wondering if the roots are established enough now, that the tree will be able to withstand reduced irrigation by getting it from the groundwater...?
Since you love birches, have you seen the Young's Weeping Birch? It stays pretty small, and has an amazing weeping habit.
Thanks for your comments. We do have a fairly high water table here. In fact we know a guy who dug a hole by hand down to the water table in order to put in a well. He doesn't recommend it. Hopefully my River birch has put down roots deep enough to get some of that water because buckets of grey water won't be enough water to keep it healty.
Post a Comment