Buy Betula occidentalis

Also Known As

Betula fontinalis
Betula occidentalis var. fontinalis
Red Birch
Water Birch
Water Red Birch
Western Red Birch

Plant type

tree, shrub, aquatic

size

H: 15'-30'
W: 15'

planting zones

4a-10b

5 gallon | $65

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Fewer than 5 at Forestfarm

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Betula occidentalis plant details

Betula occidentalis is a broadleaf deciduous aquatic shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring green flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Betula occidentalis

Plant type: aquatic shrub or tree
Plant family: betulaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 15 FT wide, 15 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: green blooms in spring
Uses: bonsai, distinctive bark, fall color, shade tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Betula occidentalis

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Shining, burnished-copper, non-peeling bark marked with pretty white horizontal stripes, showy yellow-brown male and female catkins in spring and yellow-orange fall tints highlight this shrubby tree which is variable in growth generally becoming a 10-15' shrub but can reach as much as 40', native to the Cascades and Rocky Mountain ranges; makes a wonderful hedge for a low spot as it can withstand flooding. S/M

By: Forestfarm

Bark is glossy, dark burgandy, spotted white. Grow as a focal point or as a multi-stemmed understory tree, yellow fall color Zone 3-9. 15'-30', PNW, part shade-sun, moist

By: Keeping it Green Nursery

Best known for its sleek, copper brown bark accented with pale horizontal lines that grow bigger over time, Betula occidentalis var. fontinalis is a fabulous small tree/shrub that deer & elk tend to steer clear of. Growing to a multi-trunked 20-30' tall & 15' wide, this birch is native to California & the western states. Found near streams & moist spots in mountainous areas (up to 8000 ft.), it can handle a little bit of drought & is said to do surprisingly well near the coast. Lovely, saw-toothed dark green, 2.5" long oval leaves turn a glorious golden amber in late-Fall. Spring time brings a show of long drooping catkins.