Water Birch

Scientific name

Betula occidentalis

Description

The Water Birch, also referred to as the River Birch, is a large shrub to small tree. The tree generally grows between 3-5 m but can grow up to 12 m. The leaves of the Water Birch are shiny bright green in color and oval in shape, with the broadest area below the middle of the leaf. The leaves are 2-5 cm long with thin double-toothed margins, the upper surface is a yellowish green and paler and dotted with glands below. The bark of the Water Birch is thin, shiny, and a dark reddish colour with horizontal splits. The bark does not peel like other birch trees, making it easier to identify.

Planting conditions

This species thrives in moist to wet areas along streams. It requires full sun or partial shade in sand, loam, or clay soils

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 3-12m