Trees

Betula nigra 'Whit XXV'

City Slicker river birch

City Slicker river birch (Whit XXV), showing pale multi-stem bark and green foliage.

City Slicker stands out for creamy-white bark that develops while the tree is still young. Glossy dark green leaves turn yellow-gold in autumn above an upright, broadly pyramidal to oval framework. This river birch selection originated from Oklahoma material and was selected for improved performance in heat and dry conditions.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: About 35 ft (breeder estimate) · Width: About 25 ft (breeder estimate)
Water: Consistently moist soil
Hardiness: USDA zone 5 cold-hardiness rating

Sizes & prices

#15 SSSuper Drought Tolerant$124.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental specimen
Fruit / litter: Small seed clusters, leaves and numerous twigs drop; keep away from gutters.
Major issues: Leaf spots, aphids and leaf miners may occur; resistant to bronze birch borer.
Form: Upright, broadly pyramidal to oval crown.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast; species guidance for these full-sized selections.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Parent-species guidance: Some browsing resistance; not deer-proof. Protect young plants.
Drought: Increased tolerance; not a substitute for establishment watering
Wet soil: Parent-species guidance: Occasional wetness tolerated; this does not imply permanent flooding tolerance.
Heat: Increased tolerance reported by supplier
Leaf spot: Extension source reports resistance

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Caterpillar host: Butterflies
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivar/selection of a species native to central and eastern United States. Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.
Tristate native status: Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Green deciduous leaves, usually yellow in fall.
Bark: Creamy-white, peeling

Growing & care

Site: Mulch the root zone; dry periods can trigger summer leaf drop.
Pruning: Usually needs little pruning. Avoid late-winter and spring cuts while sap is flowing; retain the selected single- or multitrunk structure.
Soil: Consistently moist, acidic loam; mulch the root zone to reduce drying and overheating.

Sources & photo credits

J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

Published plant patent

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

woodyplants.cals.cornell.edu

horticulture.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: Source: U.S. plant patent PP16573, figure 1; color scan courtesy of University of Maryland Libraries. · Patent figure reproduction under USPTO patent-information policy; no copyright or mask-work notice found in the patent or figure

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.