River birch

River birch
Betula nigra

Birch trees in Delaware are usually found along streams and ponds, and are easily identified by their curling bark. Very hardy, birches can thrive in a wide range of conditions; therefore, they are often planted in urban areas and wetlands. Birch seeds can be eaten by wildlife. While some birches have wood with close-grained properties that are valued for furniture and flooring, this is not true of river birch.

Birch leaves are usually oblong with pointed, sharp-toothed edges. Birch beer is a popular carbonated drink made from the bark.