'Heritage' River Birch (Multi-Stem)

1. Species: Betula nigra is native to the eastern United States and is commonly known as river birch due to its natural habitat along riverbanks and wetland areas.

2. Size and Growth Habit: The Heritage River Birch is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree, typically growing 40 to 70 feet (12 to 21 meters) tall with a spread of 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters). It has a pyramidal to oval-shaped crown when young, becoming more rounded with age.

3. Bark: One of the most distinctive features of the Heritage River Birch is its bark, which exfoliates in thin, papery curls to reveal shades of cinnamon-brown, creamy white, and salmon-pink underneath. This exfoliating bark provides year-round interest and texture to the tree.

4. Leaves: The leaves of the Heritage River Birch are alternate, simple, and ovate to diamond-shaped. They are glossy green above and paler and somewhat hairy beneath. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow before dropping.

5. Flowers: River birches are monoecious, meaning they have separate male and female flowers on the same tree. The flowers are inconspicuous and appear in early spring before the leaves emerge.

6. Fruit: The fruit of river birch is a small cone-like structure containing numerous tiny winged seeds. These seeds are dispersed by wind.

7. Habitat and Growing Conditions: Heritage River Birch thrives in moist to wet soils and is tolerant of both clay and acidic soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is relatively tolerant of urban conditions, making it a popular choice for landscaping in residential areas and parks.

8. Landscape Use: Due to its attractive bark, tolerance of wet soils, and graceful form, the Heritage River Birch is widely planted as an ornamental tree. It is used as a shade tree, specimen tree, or in group plantings where its multi-stemmed growth habit can be appreciated.

9. Maintenance: River birches are generally low-maintenance once established. They benefit from regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods, to maintain their health and vigor.

In summary, the Heritage River Birch (Betula nigra 'Heritage') is a valued tree in landscaping for its beautiful exfoliating bark, adaptability to wet soils, and graceful appearance. It adds year-round interest to gardens and public spaces, making it a popular choice among tree enthusiasts and landscape designers.