Water birch (Betula occidentalis)


Return to our Trees of Canada resource here:
Trees of Canada →

Type

deciduous tree icon

Deciduous

Status

species native to Canada

Native

Edible fruit/nut tree?

NO

Names

Latin (scientific) name: Betula occidentalis

Common English name: Water birch

Other names: Western birch, red birch, river birch, black birch

French name: Bouleau fontinal

Habitat

Prefers moist soil.

Other notes

The bark is dark purple-brown and flakes less than other species of birch.

Hardiness zone(s)

0a, 0b, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b

A hardiness zone is a geographically defined area where a given plant is capable of growing. Hardiness zones are based largely on climate, particularly minimum temperatures. Zone 0 covers the harshest areas in Canada for plant species. Higher numbers represent more temperate areas.

For more information on plant hardiness zones in Canada, visit Natural Resources Canada.

Images:

View our other resources!

Book outside

Resources

Follow us on social media to keep up-to-date.