Fox Valley™ River Birch
Betula nigra 'Little King'
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Plant Profile & Growing Essentials
Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Native, Clay Tolerant, Wet Soils, and Fall Color/Interest
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Botanical Name
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Height
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Width
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Growing Zones
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Sunlight
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Growth RateFast
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Flower Color
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Leaf Color
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Fall Color
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NativeYes
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Pollinator FriendlyYes
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring
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Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT, OR
Fox Valley River Birch (Betula nigra 'Little King') brings all the beauty of native River Birch in a garden-friendly size that fits today's smaller landscapes. This Chicagoland Grows® introduction stays a manageable 10-12 feet tall and wide, a fraction of the species size, while showcasing the signature exfoliating bark that makes River Birch so prized. The peeling bark reveals layers of cream, salmon-pink, and cinnamon that create year-round visual interest even in the dead of winter.
Multi-Season Performance
Spring arrives with dangling yellow-brown catkins before the leaves emerge, providing early interest and pollen for native bees. The glossy green foliage forms a dense, rounded canopy that provides dappled shade throughout summer. As temperatures drop in fall, the leaves turn a clear golden yellow before dropping to reveal the tree's architectural framework and stunning bark.
Perfect for Problem Spots
River Birch is native to floodplains and streambanks throughout the eastern United States, which makes Fox Valley exceptionally tolerant of wet, poorly-drained sites where other trees struggle. Plant it in that low spot in your yard that stays soggy, near a rain garden, or along a water feature. It also handles heavy clay soil that frustrates many gardeners. Unlike European White Birch, River Birch resists bronze birch borer, a serious pest that plagues non-native birches.
Landscape Design Versatility
The compact size makes Fox Valley River Birch ideal for smaller properties, courtyards, or as a specimen tree in mixed borders. Plant it where you can appreciate the bark up close - near patios, alongside walkways, or outside frequently-used windows. The rounded form works well in groupings of three for a naturalistic grove effect without overwhelming the space. It's also deer resistant, making it valuable in areas with browsing pressure.
Native with Modern Appeal
As a native cultivar, Fox Valley supports local ecosystems while providing the refined appearance homeowners want. The tree hosts native caterpillars that feed songbirds, and the early catkins provide pollen when little else is blooming. You get the environmental benefits of planting native species with the predictable size and form that make landscape planning easier. This is a tree that proves native plants can be both ecologically valuable and garden-worthy.
