water birch

tree, Betula occidentalis

Also known as: Betula fontinalis, Betula occidentalis, black birch, mountain birch, red birch(Show More)

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

Water birch, or Betula occidentalis, is a shrubby tree native to moist areas along the western coast of North America. It is characterized by its nonpeeling, dark red bark and typically grows in clusters from a common root system. Other common names for water birch include red birch, black birch, or mountain birch.1

Birches, in general, are short-lived trees and shrubs found in cool Northern Hemisphere regions. They are known for their smooth, often white bark that peels in thin sheets, and their alternately arranged, toothed leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Various birch species, such as river birch (Betula nigra) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera), are valued for timber, ornamental purposes, and their bark, which has historically been used for canoes and roofing.123

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birch
Major species
Water birch (B. occidentalis), a shrubby tree native to moist sites along the western coast of North America, has nonpeeling dark red bark; it grows in clusters, with all stems rising from a common root system. It is sometimes called red birch, black birch, or…
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Water birch (B. occidentalis), a shrubby tree native to moist sites along the western coast of North America, has nonpeeling dark red bark; it grows in clusters, with all stems rising from a common root system. It is sometimes called red birch, black birch, or…
Read More