SPECIES: Betula nigra (Bet'you-la ny'gra)

FORM: Upright, open form with graceful drooping stems. Looks good as multiple-trunk tree.

SIZE: 40-60 feet tall; 16-20 feet wide.

VARIETIES: Heritage, hardy and vigorous with buff-colored bark that peels in large sheets to reveal lighter shades of bark. Received 1990 Gold Medal award from Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Heat-loving variety with dark green leaves.

EXPOSURE: Sun to minimum shade.

LEAVES: Ovalish and deciduous, meaning its leaves drop during winter.

FLOWERS: Insignificant.

FRUIT: Conelike in fall.

CULTURE: Loves water but doesn't require great amounts. Tolerates clay soils but not a high pH, or soil acidity. Easily transplanted. Adapts to high or low ground.

USES: Informal, graceful tree for lawns or gardens.

PRUNING: Not necessary.

PROBLEMS: None. Highly resistant to bronze birch borer.