Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash'

River birch 'Shiloh Splash’ is a cultivar of Betula nigra discovered by John and Danny Allen at Shiloh Nursery. It is a woody, deciduous, flowering tree in the Betulaceae (birch) family.  

This cultivar prefers full sun to partial shade and occasionally wet, acidic soils with good drainage. The best foliage color—variegated green leaves that appear to have had their margins dunked in creamy-white paint—occurs in full sun. Mulch with bark to keep the root zone cool and moist. It needs little pruning, but if necessary, you can prune during the dormant season. Do not prune in winter or spring when the sap is running because it will bleed. Propagation studies found that this cultivar roots readily from terminal, softwood stem cuttings taken in mid-July. 

‘Shiloh Splash’ river birch can be used as a shrub or small tree in the landscape. It will grow to be about 10 to 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 to 10 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground. It is wind and deer resistant. This cultivar can be expected to live up to 70 years.

Given its size, it is excellent as a specimen tree in a lawn or small space. Its papery, tan and peach bark provides interest for a winter garden. It attracts butterflies and songbirds so consider adding ‘Shiloh Splash’ to butterfly, pollinator, and children’s gardens. It is also at home in a rain garden, as well as quite wind resistant.  

 Patent number: PP16,362

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems:  One of the only birch species with resistance to bronze birch borer. Aphids, leaf miner, and birch skeletonizer may occur. Watch for leaf spot problems. Susceptible to chlorosis in alkaline soils.

More information on Betula nigra.