Deciduous And Flowering Trees
Heritage river birch
Betula nigra 'Cully'
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Heritage river birch, Betula nigra 'Cully', develops peeling bark in cream, salmon and orange tones that remains a feature after its yellow autumn leaves fall. This fast-growing, densely branched deciduous tree can eventually reach about 40–70 feet tall. Allow generous room for its crown, which may spread about 40–60 feet wide. Its size suits an open lawn or large planting area where the trunk and bark can be seen. In Southwest Washington, give it full sun to partial shade and moist, preferably acidic soil. It tolerates wet ground, while established trees can handle some dryness. Water regularly while it establishes.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- About 40–70 feet
- Mature spread
- Allow about 40–60 feet
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA zone 4 and warmer
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Place this birch where its peeling bark can be seen and its broad crown has room to develop. It suits a large open planting area.
Where to plant
Choose full sun to partial shade. Plan for a mature tree about 40–70 feet tall, with generous space around its crown.
Through the seasons
Peeling bark shows cream, salmon and orange tones through the year. Leaves turn yellow in autumn.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
This cultivar is listed for maritime Northwest gardens. Birch-host pests can occur locally; 'Cully' is reported to resist bronze birch borer.
Soil, drainage & water
Moist, acidic soil suits this birch, and it tolerates wet ground. Established trees can handle some dryness, but newly planted trees need regular water.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Water regularly while the tree establishes. During dry periods, watch for early leaf drop and water if the soil has dried.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Aphids
Wrinkled or yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew and sometimes sooty mold.
Help your plant thrive
Check new growth and leaf undersides. Wash aphids off with water and avoid excessive nitrogen.
Birch leafminer
Brown blotches or winding mines within leaves.
Help your plant thrive
Check newly formed leaves. On a small tree, pinch leaves with minor infestations to kill the larvae.
Bronze birch borer
Yellowing leaves, branch dieback or swollen bark over larval galleries.
Help your plant thrive
Keep the tree watered during establishment and reduce stress or injury. Prune dying branches if damage appears.
A little more inspiration
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