Species water birch
Peeling maroon-gray branch, green leaves and yellow-red flowers.

water birch

Betula occidentalis

Also Known As - River Birch,Western Birch,Black Birch,Red Birch,Spring Birch,Mountain Birch,Western Birch,Black Birch,Red Birch,Spring Birch,Mountain Birch
The water birch (Betula occidentalis) is an amazing plant species for many reasons. Not only is it highly drought tolerant, often being found in dry riparian surfaces, but it is also able to provide a large range of benefits to the environment. It provides shelter and shade for wildlife, windbreaks, and helps to stabilize and protect riverbanks from soil erosion. In addition, water birch is beneficial for human beings. Its wood is strong and durable, and can be used to create beautiful wood grains and craft pieces. Moreover its leaves are edible and can provide medicinal properties and other uses. With its hardiness, its many benefits, and its attractive appearance, water birch is an amazing plant species worth preserving.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Root Division

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 6

Flowers:

Brown (male) and green (female) Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay

Fruits:

red,brown Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water birch (Betula occidentalis) should be kept constantly damp, but not sopping wet. When the top inch of soil begins to feel dry, it is time to water. For established plants, water weekly or every other week (depending on your climate). Each time you water, give the soil a good dousing — a gentle stream of water for several minutes, so that the moisture penetrates deeply into the soil. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil moist.

sunlight

Water birch (Betula occidentalis) requires bright, full sunlight to thrive if at all possible. This species prefers to be in open areas that allow sun exposure for at least 6 hours each day. In optimal conditions, water birch can tolerate 5 to 8 hours of bright sunlight a day. When given the ideal amount of sunlight, water birch will grow and develop faster and healthier.

pruning

Pruning can be done any time during the growing season, however, you should aim to do the bulk of your pruning in early spring before the new leaves begin to form, or late winter when the plant is dormant. When pruning water birch, it's important to keep its naturally irregular, multi-stemmed, and spreading habit in mind. You should selectively remove the older, larger stems at the base of the plant to allow for increased light and air to penetrate through the thick canopy of branches. You should also remove any diseased or damaged stems as well as any dead or crossing branches. A light pruning every 2 to 3 years is usually sufficient for a healthy water birch.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Water birch is typically harvested in the late summer and early fall months, so the months to start harvesting the fruits from Betula occidentalis would be August, September, October, and November.

Starts Flowering

Water birch typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Water birch is typically harvested in the late summer and early fall months, so the months to start harvesting the fruits from Betula occidentalis would be August, September, October, and November.

Hardiness Map