As its name suggests, the river birch naturally grows along riverbanks. But as a landscape tree, it can be planted almost anywhere in the U.S. The species is valued for its relatively rapid growth, tolerance of wetness and some drought, unique curling bark, spreading limbs, and relative resistance to birch borer.
The river birch has not yet reached the popularity of many maples and oaks, but it is well on its way. Birch is one of the most widely used woods for veneer and plywood worldwide.
Besides regular sheets of plywood, Birch veneer is also used for doors, furniture, and paneling.