27+ River Birch Leaf Identification. Usually most common reactions simply include skin and respiratory irritation. The river birch (betula nigra) is found in an irregular range along the east coast from massachusetts to south carolina and into the midwest.
Birch leaves are doubly toothed around the margins and symmetrical at the base, often forming a heart shape.
The leaves were chewed, or used as an infusion in the treatment of dysentery. River birch sap can be fermented to make birch beer or vinegar. The wood is used to manufacture inexpensive furniture, woodenware, wooden shoes, basket materials, toys, staves, and fuel. One of the trunks is leaning against our chimney and the branches are spread out over a large area of our roof.