Fox Valley river birch
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WorryFree Promise
Water Resilience
Insect Resistance
Deer Resistance
Special Features
Low Maintenance
Great for Small Spaces
Fox Valley river birch
Betula nigra 'Little King'
Shrub
Height 8-10'
Spread 9-12'
Description
Fox Valley' River Birch is a compact, multi-stemmed tree growing 8 to 10 feet tall. It features stunning exfoliating orangish-brown bark for year-round interest. Dark green spring foliage turns golden yellow in fall, maintaining a dense, rounded form through summer. Tough and low-maintenance, it resists the bronze birch borer and thrives in heat, wet soils, and urban conditions. This is an outstanding four-season choice!
Plant Care
Water
Adaptable to a variety of conditions
Fertilizer
Applying a balanced, slow release fertilizer once a year in early spring can foster healthier leaf growth and vibrant fall color. Young/Potted Trees: Use a water-soluble fertilizer periodically during the growing season, but stop all feeding by September 1st to allow the plant to harden off for winter. Established Trees: Spread granular fertilizer evenly around the root zone, maintaining a distance of at least 12–18 inches from the trunk. Water thoroughly after application to activate the nutrients
Pruning
No pruning is traditionally necessary for this cultivar, as it naturally maintains a compact, rounded canopy
Seasons of Interest
Spring
Fresh diamond-shaped dark green leaves emerge alongside delicate catkins in April and May. Avoid pruning while sap is actively running.
Summer
Dense, lush foliage fills out its rounded multi-stemmed form, reaching 9–12 feet wide. Exfoliating orangish-brown bark peels to reveal lighter inner bark, adding texture even in full leaf.
Fall
Dark green foliage transitions to cheerful golden yellow before dropping, offering a warm burst of seasonal color.
Winter
The exfoliating multi-toned bark — ranging from orange-brown to salmon — takes center stage, adding striking color and texture to the dormant winter landscape.
