Geographic Distribution:
The tree commonly known as River Birch, and also Black Birch and Water Birch is known to botanists as Betula nigra. As the some of the common names imply, B. nigra is a tree that loves water and is usually found naturally in very wet areas in flood plains, along active rivers, and near other bodies of water. It is also a popular landscape tree for damp areas although it will tolerate drier conditions.
B. nigra is often found in low-elevation regions from as far north as New Hampshire to as far south as northern Florida. It can be found extending west to Kansas and east to the coast where proper habitat conditions occur.
Betula nigra Natural Range Map
For the sake of simplicity and common understanding I will hereafter refer to B. nigra as River Birch. The specifics given below apply equally well to most all Betula spp.
General Characteristics:
The sapwood of the River Birch is nearly white while the heartwood is often of a light reddish brown color.
As there is virtually no color distinction between annual growth rings, River Birch often presents with a somewhat dull and uniform appearance.
The grain of the River Birch is most often straight or slightly wavy. On rare occasions figured pieces of River Birch can be found that have a curly figure similar to that sometimes found in Cherry (Prunus serotina).
River Birch has a fine and even texture but a low natural luster even when finely surfaced.
River Birch is quite perishable and will readily rot and decay if exposed to the elements. River Birch is also susceptible to attack by various insects.
Working Characteristics:
In general, River Birch is easy to work with both hand and machine powered tools. As is the case with most any species of wood, pieces of River Birch with significantly figured grain patters may experience difficulty with some operations, especially planing. There are methods available to help reduce this tendency toward tearout.
River Birch is known to turn, glue, and finish nicely.
River Birch does not have a distinctive or characteristic odor.
Pricing and Availability:
River Birch, and all Birch in general, is likely to be of relatively low cost when available. As is always the case, pieces with significant figure will be more expensive but plain lumber is in the same price range as maple or oak. Most of the “Birch” offered for sale is Yellow Birch (B. alleghaniensis) as this is the most commonly commercially sourced species. Species specific River Birch is difficult to find.
In this blog, I almost always recommend several vendors with whom I have done considerable business and in whom I have great confidence. These vendors are: West Penn Hardwoods, Bell Forest Products, NCWood, WoodTurningz, Amazon Exotic Hardwoods, Griffin Exotic Wood, Exotic Woods USA, Got Wood?, and Wood Turning Blanks 4U. Note: ALWAYS green turn wet blanks from NCWood as their wax will not hold for extended drying periods.
I originally sourced my species specific River Birch from NCWood but they are currently out of stock and no longer list this species.
Bell Forest Products does list a “birch” but on closer inspection it is Yellow Birch (B. alleghaniensis). Turning blanks, which are listed as only spindle sizes, are out of stock.
The gentlemen at Got Wood? do have a nice selection of “Birch” turning blanks although it is not clear as to which species they are referring, in which case I would assume Yellow Birch. Their smallest bowl blank is 6” x 3” at $4.88 and the largest is 12” x 2” for $13.00. There is also a spindle size of 2” x 2” x12” for $2.17. These prices make it clear that “Birch” is not an expensive wood.