USDA Hardiness Zone 3 or 4-9. Can average 2 feet per year. Early-spring foliage is bright green that becomes slightly darker with a sheen as the season progresses, then turns yellow in fall. Male catkins are present fall to spring, measuring 2-3 inches long but not ornamental. Its fruit is a small nutlet borne in catkins.
Propagation is easy from seed or cuttings.
The species can be bothered by leaf miner, although it is considered more borer-resistant than many other birches. River birch enjoys ample moisture, responding with fast growth to a mature height of 45 feet or more. River birch prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and generally will not tolerate alkaline soil. It defoliates under dry, hot conditions unless supplemental irrigation is provided. In the landscape, recommend river birch for its open character, which allows structures or other background material to show.