The River Birch has become a fairly popular landscape tree because it is resistant to injury and death by the bronze birch borer. In 1989, a seed-propagated tree growing in Dickinson, ND was tissue-culture propagated. This 40-year old tree was planted in 1966 and is the largest tree of this species observed in the upper Northern Plains. It has performed very well under rather compacted, dry and alkaline soil conditions in USDA zone 3. Many seed sources of River Birch suffer winter injury in zone 3 and also may die from iron chlorosis in alkaline pH soils. The bark on this cultivar is ivory colored with striking coppery-bronze exfoliating bark which contrasts to add landscape interest. Trees may be grown single or multi-trunked. As trees reach 20 to 25 years of age, the shaggy bark becomes more uniformly tannish-brown. Foliage quality has been good with yellow autumn color. This introduction may potentially prove to be superior in adaptation to stressful environmental conditions in the upper midwest and northern plains. Propagated by tissue culture and/or softwood cuttings. A landscape specimen tree. Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 3-9 Mature Size: Height: 35' Spread: 30' Form (Shape): Upright oval form. Growth Rate: Moderate to fast. Foliage: Summer: Lustrous medium to dark green with doubly serrated margin. Autumn: Yellow with high quality foliage. Texture: Medium Flower: Slender catkins, no ornamental value. Fruit: Small nutlet, no ornamental value. Special Features: Ivory colored bark exfoliates to copper-bronze. Light Preferences: Full sun. Soil Preferences: Prefers moist well-drained soil but performs well in compacted, dry soils. It is pH tolerant including alkaline soils. Propagation: Tissue culture and/or softwood cuttings. Ornamental Attributes: Upright oval habit is maintained which is different from the rounded habit of species. The ivory colored with striking coppery-bronze exfoliating bark which contrasts to add landscape interest. Landscape Attributes: Recommended as a landscape specimen tree in more open areas, not limited to moist soils. Many seed sources of River Birch suffer winter injury in zone 3 and also may die from iron chlorosis in alkaline pH soils, Northern Tribute® has shown no signs of winter injury or iron chlorosis in alkaline soils. Comments: Seedling selection from western North Dakota from the largest tree of this species observed in the upper Northern Plains. Patent Status: