River Birch

River birch has some varities such as Heritage River birch that are improvements from the wild tree.

Since I live outside of the range or River birch I am asuming that what I see planted in parks and along streets is Heritage River birch. What are the differences between the 2 trees?

Here is a link to a guide to Birch trees.

River birch is planted less often in landscapes but is stronger and healther tree against disease and insects. The bark is an attractive feature pealing in long strips down the bole of the tree. These strips are darker in color than the bark of other birches.

River birch can survive better than normal in acidic soils. For this reason River birch has been planted in strip mine reclamation areas.

Here is a good site on growing and caring for a Birch tree.