River Birch (Betula nigra): Prince Maximilian termed the river birch the most beautiful of American trees. It is the only spring fruiting birch and the only birch whose range includes the southeastern coastal plain. Primarily it was found in the southeastern quarter of the United States but it is found as far north as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the New England states. It tolerates hot humid summers but also survives well in the cold of the northern U.S. This birch is typically associated with alluvial river bottom soils but it establishes well on dry sites. It grows to at least 100 feet in height and is intolerant of shade. There is little or no information about its rooting habit but our experience suggests that a taproot does not form. Its wood is not as valuable as other birch species but it is very valuable as an ornamental tree (U.S. Forest Service Silvics Manual)..