Western Red Birch

Western Red Birch is treated here under the accepted species name Betula occidentalis; Betula fontinalis is a taxonomic synonym. This western North American shrub or small tree is often multi-stemmed and is associated with streams and other moist sites. ## Landscape use Use it in a naturalistic planting near a stream, pond edge, or other consistently moist area. The [USDA Forest Service](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/betocc) describes water birch as primarily riparian and not particularly drought tolerant. [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:295159-1) accepts Betula occidentalis and lists B. fontinalis as a synonym. ## Siting and water Provide sun or partial shade and moist soil. Water birch grows naturally along waterways and wet swales; avoid treating its occurrence in semiarid western climates as evidence of drought tolerance. The current 30 ft height and 20 ft spread remain plausible landscape values, while mature size varies with site. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and whenever the root zone dries. Retain the natural multi-stem form, removing damaged branches as needed. Keep the plant away from dry exposures where routine irrigation cannot maintain soil moisture.