Betula occidentalis

Common Names

Water Birch, Red Birch, River Birch, Western Birch, Black Birch, Mountain Birch, Rocky Mountain Birch, Spring Birch

Summary

Water birch is a native western North American shrub or small tree, often forming multi‑stemmed clumps along riparian zones such as streams and lakeshores. It features smooth bark dark reddish-brown to bronze with pale lenticels and leaves that are broadly ovate to rhombic-ovate, 2–5 cm long with sharp serrations; fall color is bright yellow, and the inflorescences are wind-pollinated catkins with small, winged fruits.

It grows best in sun to partial shade on moist to wet soils and tolerates periodic flooding, often resprouting after disturbance. Propagation is by seed; it is commonly used for riparian bank stabilization, erosion control, and wildlife habitat, and provides landscape value as hedges, screens, or shade trees in moist settings; durable wood is used for firewood and fence posts.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

15-30 feet

Spread

15-20 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2-7

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil Drainage

Moist to wet soils, tolerates standing water and seasonal flooding

Soil pH

5.5-7.8, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green, yellow in autumn

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow to red-orange

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

1.5–3 ft/year in good conditions.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, other pollinators