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water birch

Scientific Name: Betula occidentalis

Family: Betulaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Betula occidentalis: Water Birch

Betula occidentalis, commonly known as Water Birch or Red Birch, is a birch species native to western North America.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text describes the plant as potentially forming thickets due to its growth habit. This could pose an issue for smaller pets navigating dense garden areas.
  • The plant produces sap that is tapped for birch water. The effect of this sap on pets is unknown.

Considerations for Children

  • The text describes the plant as potentially forming thickets due to its growth habit. This could pose an issue for young children playing in dense garden areas.
  • The plant produces sap that is tapped for birch water. The effect of this sap on children is unknown.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family)
  • Synonyms: Betula beeniana, Betula elrodiana, Betula fontinalis, Betula obovata
  • The text notes that some authorities consider Betula fontinalis to be synonymous with Betula occidentalis.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to western North America, including Canada (from Yukon east to western Ontario).
  • Primarily found in the Eastern Cascades at lower to mid-elevations.
  • Grows in moist sites along the western coast of North America, specifically along stream sides, in mountain valleys, and canyons, from 5000 to 9500 feet.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Described as a shrub or small tree with a rounded crown of spreading and drooping branches, often forming clumps and thickets.
  • Leaves are alternate, simple, 1 to 2 inches long, and 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches wide.
  • Leaf shape is deciduous, ovate, or somewhat rounded with singly or doubly serrate margins.
  • Shiny red bark.
  • Flowers are tiny, yellowish or greenish, blooms February-June.
  • Fast growing tree.

Ecological Role

  • The stems are used by beavers to aid in the construction of dams and lodges.
  • Used in forested riparian buffers for agroforestry.

Value and Use

  • Birch sap (birch water) is harvested by tapping the trunks of birch trees during spring thaw.
  • Birch water is marketed as a health drink with potential benefits like toxin removal and stress relief, due to its Vitamin C and Potassium content.

Further Information

  • USDA NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Dave's Garden