This incredible multi-stemmed dwarf birch is a revelation! A compact grower, this ‘Little King’ tends to keep its lower branches - showing off its highly exfoliating bark from top to bottom in the winter, and acting as a good screening plant in the summer. This cultivar is known for excellent pest and disease resistance, and for its heat tolerance, and does not drop sticks all over the yard like larger forms.
At Stoneleigh, a cluster of full-size Fox Valley Birches is prominent next to our rain garden in the main parking lot. Cardinals, Blue Jays, and other small birds are often seen amongst these branches.
Conditions: full to partial sun in moist to wet soils.Size: approximately 8’ - 10’ tall and wide in 10 years.
Zone: 4 – 9
Wildlife Value: Over 380 species of butterflies and moths use River Birch as a host plant in our area, though research has not been done on this particular cultivar. Birds and small mammals will eat both the seeds (late spring/summer) and the male catkins (late winter/early spring) of this species.
Photos: Dave Korbonits