Text Box: Bark on Betula nigra can vary from being smooth on young saplings, to later development of papery peely bark. The lower left photograph is an example of papery peely bark. Papery bark varies from dark brown, to shades of orange and creamy white. Older trees often have rough scales and ridging. The upper left hand photograph is of a mature specimen. Ecological location: Bottomlands, often occurring on stream sides and river banks. Text Box: Betula nigra L.; River Birch Text Box: N C STATE UNIVERSITY

Bark of a mature tree

Winter male catkins

Young peely  bark

Serrate leaves