6 Birch Trees with Gorgeous Fall Foliage

River Birch Tree (Betula nigra)

"River" birch is called so because, in its native habitat, it is often found growing near rivers. An alternate common name is "black" birch, which is reflected in the species name, nigra (Latin for "black"). This refers to its bark, which starts salmon-colored but turns darker as it matures. The fall foliage color is yellow. 

River birch trees can be grown in planting zones 4 to 9. These specimens are full-sun trees, but they will also tolerate partial shade. Native to the eastern U.S., they will reach a height of 40 to 70 feet with a spread of 25 to 35 feet. They can be multi-trunked trees or grown to have just one trunk.

The trees' peeling bark is as attractive as the fall foliage. They shed their bark like paper birches. River birch trees tolerate the summer heat better than paper birch trees, meaning they are better suited to grow in warmer regions. They are also more borer-resistant than most birches.

• Native Area: North America
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Height: 40-70 ft.
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial

Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)

Another birch tree grown as much for its peeling bark as for its fall foliage is the paper birch (Betula papyrifera). Its fall foliage color is yellow. The chalky bark or "paper" is more striking than river birch trees, appearing almost pure white (it is also sometimes erroneously called "white birch"). The bark of this tree is famous for another reason: as the material for birch-bark canoes. Grow this tree if you live in Canada or the northern tier of U.S. states (planting zones 2 to 6). It's native to this region, and it prefers cool temperatures.

• Native Area: North America
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
• Height: 50-70 ft.
• Sun Exposure: Partial

Gray Birch (Betula populifolia)

The fall foliage of gray birch trees (Betula populifolia) is similar to paper birch tree. But gray birch trees grow in clumps, producing multiple trunks, and their bark, which does not peel, is not especially attractive. Despite the unappealing bark, this tree's foliage is quite lovely. Its height and spread are similar to river birch trees. Plant them in full sun to partial shade. These trees are best grown in the northern part of the United States or Canada.

• Native Area: North America
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-6
• Height: 20-40 ft.
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial

Young's Weeping Birch (Betula pendula Youngii)

Young's weeping birch (Betula pendula Youngii) is a dwarf white birch variety that reaches a height of 6 to 12 feet at maturity. Its parent species, Betula pendula, is the European white birch. It can be grown in planting zones 3 to 9. In addition to its white bark and yellow fall foliage, this tree's form provides interest in landscaping. As suggested by its name, the branches of this birch tree droop, or "weep" downward. Plant it in full sun to partial shade.

• Native Area: Europe, Asia
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Height: 6-12 ft.
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial

Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis)

Another attractive non-white birch tree is the yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis). It is a tall tree (60 to 80 feet) with a spread of about 30 feet. This tree sheds its bark like paper and river birch trees. It derives its common name from the color of its peeling bark, which is silvery-bronze with hints of a golden hue. Yellow birches should be grown in full sun to partial shade in planting zones 4 to 7.

• Native Area: North America
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7
• Height: 60-80 ft.
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial

Sweet Birch (Betula lenta)

Sweet birch (Betula lenta) has dark-colored bark. The foliage and the bark are fragrant. Grow it in zones 4 to 7 in full sun to partial shade. Sweet birch bears a more reliably strong, golden-yellow fall foliage than most other birches with paler yellow foliage. The plant grows 40 to 50 feet tall, with a spread of 35 to 45 feet.

• Native Area: North America
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7
• Height: 40-50 ft.
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial