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Betula occidentalis
Betula occidentalis Hook.
Mountain Birch, Water Birch
Betulaceae (Birch Family)
Synonym(s): Betula beeniana, Betula fontinalis, Betula occidentalis var. inopina, Betula papyrifera ssp. occidentalis, Betula papyrifera var. occidentalis
USDA Symbol: beoc2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
Water birch or mountain birch is a 20-30 ft., multi-trunked tree with shiny, reddish-brown bark. Its delicate, graceful appearance is created by slender, spreading, pendulous branches. Shrub or small tree with rounded crown of spreading and drooping branches, usually forming clumps and often in thickets. The red color of the branches and twigs creates the same winter effect as red-twigged dogwoods. The small, deciduous leaves are bright green above and yellow-green beneath becoming bright yellow in fall.
This uncommon but widespread species is the only native birch in the Southwest and the southern Rocky Mountains. Sheep and goats browse the foliage.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf: Green
Fruit: Green
Size Class: 12-36 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , Green , BrownBloom Time: Apr
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , ND , NE , NM , NV , OR , SD , UT , WA , WYCanada: AB , BC , MB , NS , NT , ON , SK , YT
Native Distribution: AK, e. of the Cascades to CA, e. to s. Man., the Dakotas & n. NM
Native Habitat: Wooded, mt. ravines; stream banks; bottomlands
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Do not prune until summer when the sap has stopped flowing. Susceptible to borers, aphids, and other problems when grown in dry soil. Does not cast heavy shade, permitting underplanting.
Propagation
Description: Sow seed as soon as ripe. Germination is facilitated by exposure to light; never plant too deeply.Seed Collection: Birch seed is collected by picking the catkins while they are still green enough to hold together. They shatter easily and should be put directly into bags.
Seed Treatment: One month cold stratification compensates for light treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FACW | FACW | FACW | FACW |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Additional resources
USDA: Find Betula occidentalis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Betula occidentalis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Betula occidentalis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-12-23Research By: TWC Staff