Betula nigra, commonly known as river birch, 'Tropical Birch' is a cultivar of Betula nigra that is known for its unique characteristics.The 'Tropical Birch' cultivar is a medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows up to 40 to 70 feet tall with a narrow, pyramidal crown. It has an attractive, cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark that peels in thin, papery sheets to reveal lighter shades of pink and cream underneath. The leaves are medium green in color, and turn a yellow color in the fall.
This cultivar is often used in residential and commercial landscapes as an accent tree or as a specimen plant. It is also used in naturalized areas and as a street tree. It is relatively low maintenance,