River birch Dura Heat

* Common name: River birch Dura Heat(R)

* Botanical name: Betula nigra ‘BNMTF’

* What it is: A fast-growing variety of a native deciduous tree species that’s best loved for its cinnamon-colored peeling bark. Oval leaves turn yellow in fall.

* Size: 40 feet tall, 20-25 feet around.

* Where to use: Excellent choice where soil is wet, such as along as a creek bank or in low-lying open areas. This variety is more heat-tolerant than the species. It’ll grow in full sun to part shade. Looks best in groves of at least three.

* Care: Keep consistently damp the first two seasons until roots establish, then give deep soakings weekly during dry spells. Fertilizer usually not needed. Let multiple trunks form but prune off crossing branches. Remove lowest limbs as tree grows to expose more of the attractive bark.

* Great partner: Pennsylvania sedge or golden variegated sedge.