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Native alternative(s) for Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash':
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash' has some common insect problems:
Aphids Found on Flowers and Foliage
Leafminer Flies
Alder Lace Bug/Birch Lace Bug

Water Birch Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash'

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Water Birch:

Phonetic Spelling
BET-yoo-luh NY-gruh
Description

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.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Shiloh Splash'
'Shiloh Splash'
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#small spaces#interesting bark#specimen#low maintenance#winter interest#riparian#fall interest#interesting leaves#windbreak#flowering tree#stream banks#messy#wind tolerant#deer resistant#variegated#screening#wet soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#flood tolerant#pollinator garden
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Shiloh Splash'
'Shiloh Splash'
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#small spaces#interesting bark#specimen#low maintenance#winter interest#riparian#fall interest#interesting leaves#windbreak#flowering tree#stream banks#messy#wind tolerant#deer resistant#variegated#screening#wet soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#flood tolerant#pollinator garden
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Betula
    Species:
    nigra
    Family:
    Betulaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The leaves of were chewed or used as an infusion in the treatment of dysentery. An infusion of the bark was used to treat stomach problems and difficult urination. Twigs were chewed or rubbed on teeth and gums for dental hygiene. River birch sap can be fermented to make birch beer or vinegar. The wood is used to manufacturer inexpensive furniture and other woodenware.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Fire Risk Rating:
    low flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    The seeds are eaten by birds.  Birds and squirrels eat the male catkins in late winter/early springtime.
    Play Value:
    Wind Break
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    This tree is resistant to bronze birch borer.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Open
    Pyramidal
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Frequent Standing Water
    Good Drainage
    Occasional Flooding
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Aggregate
    Nut
    Fruit Description:
    Cone-like aggregate fruit which contains 3 tiny seeds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Insignificant
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Catkin
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Inconspicuous. Monoecious flowers appear in drooping, brownish male catkins and smaller, upright, greenish female catkins April-May.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Deltoid
    Leaf Margin:
    Doubly Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Enticingly variegated, alternate, simple, medium to dark green leaves with irregular white margins (1.5-3.5" long) with doubly toothed margins turn bright yellow in fall. Some shoots occasionally revert back to a uniform green color and need to be removed.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Brown
    Orange
    Surface/Attachment:
    Exfoliating
    Papery
    Peeling
    Ridges
    Smooth
    Bark Description:
    Provides winter interest in the landscape. Smooth on young trees, peach to tan-colored, develops papery scales. As the tree ages, bark divides into flat, scaly ridges. The bark peels away year-round.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Riparian
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Children's Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Flowering Tree
    Small Tree
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Dry Soil
    Heat
    Wet Soil
    Wind
    Problems:
    Messy