Water birch (Betula occidentalis, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 155 (1838))

Family: Betulaceae

Author: Hook.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 155 (1838)

Year: 1838

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Betula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic North America to W. & C. U.S.A.

Description

Water birch is a notable species of the birch family, scientifically recognized as Betula occidentalis. This species was first documented in “Flora Boreali-Americana” in 1838 by the renowned botanist William Jackson Hooker. Its distribution extends from the subarctic regions of North America down to the western and central parts of the United States.

The water birch, belonging to the Betulaceae family, is particularly adapted to thrive in moist environments, often found along riverbanks, lakesides, and other wetland areas. Its presence is a testament to the resilient ecosystems of North America, particularly in regions where water is a dominant feature of the landscape.

Betula occidentalis typically manifests as a shrub or small tree with a slender trunk and smooth, reddish-brown bark that exhibits prominent horizontal lenticels. As the tree matures, the bark may become rougher and darker. The leaves of the water birch are broadly ovate with a doubly serrated margin, contributing to its soft and appealing foliage which turns a vibrant yellow in the autumn season, adding to the picturesque beauty of its natural habitats.

Ecologically, water birch plays a significant role in its native regions. It provides habitat and nourishment for various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Its seeds, catkins, and leaves are valuable food sources during different seasons. Additionally, the tree is also beneficial for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion along waterways due to its extensive root system.

Historically, various Indigenous peoples may have utilized different parts of the water birch for medicinal purposes and tool-making, highlighting its importance beyond mere ecological contributions. Today, it remains valued for similar reasons and is sometimes used in ornamental landscaping due to its aesthetic appeal and adaptability.

In conclusion, the water birch (Betula occidentalis) is a resilient and versatile member of the Betulaceae family, notable for its widespread presence from the subarctic North America to the central United States. Documented in the early 19th century by Hooker, its ecological importance and historical significance continue to be recognized in various studies and applications.

Common Names

Eng: river birch, water birch, black birch, mountain birch, red birch, western birch
Fra: bouleau fontinal, bouleau occidental
En: Water birch, River birch, Black birch, Mountain birch, Red birch, Western birch
Bg: Западна бреза
Et: Läänekask
Fr: Bouleau fontinal, Bouleau occidental
Is: Lindabjörk
Fa: توس غربی
Ru: Берёза западная

Synonyms

• Betula occidentalis var. inopina ((Jeps.) C.L.Hitchc.)
• Betula fontinalis var. inopina ((Jeps.) Jeps.)
• Betula fontinalis (Sarg.)
• Betula occidentalis f. inopina (Jeps.)
• Betula papyrifera var. occidentalis ((Hook.) Sarg.)
• Betula microphylla var. fontinalis ((Sarg.) M.E.Jones)
• Betula microphylla var. occidentalis ((Hook.) M.E.Jones)
• Betula papyrifera subsp. occidentalis ((Hook.) Hultén)
• Betula elrodiana (E.J.Butler)
• Betula beeniana (A.Nelson)
• Betula alba f. occidentalis ((Hook.) Fernald)
• Betula fontinalis f. inopina (Jeps.)
• Betula alba subsp. occidentalis ((Hook.) Regel)
• Betula papyracea var. occidentalis ((Hook.) Dippel)
• Betula occidentalis subsp. inopina ((Jeps.) A.E.Murray)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 28, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2022 by Delbecq Emeline (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2019 by Dane Rob (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Jul 29, 2022 by lisa swafford (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2020 by Joseph Littlehorn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2020 by M A (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2019 by Dane Rob (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 3, 2019 by Dane Rob (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 3, 2019 by Dane Rob (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5332055)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:295159-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Betula occidentalis Hook.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Stem

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.4

Ph minimum: 4.2