Birch, River

This tree is the River Birch, also known as the Betula nigra. Notice its distinctive pinkish, peeling bark that makes it stand out along river banks. Its tolerance to flooded roots allows it to thrive where other trees cannot. Growing to a considerable size, they provide great nesting sites for red-shouldered hawks. Observe the triangular leaves with doubly toothed margins, dark green upper sides, and light green undersides. The river birch's cone-like fruits, though resembling pine cones, are clusters of tiny seeds.