Contents
Description
Betula Occidentalis, commonly known as Water Birch, is a deciduous tree that is native to North America. It belongs to the Betulaceae family and can grow up to 30 feet tall. The bark of this tree is thin and papery with a reddish-brown color, which peels off in thin strips. The leaves are oval-shaped with a pointed tip, and they turn yellow in the fall. It produces small, brownish-green flowers in the spring, followed by small, winged nutlets.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Genus | Betula |
Appearance
The Water Birch has a slender trunk with a narrow, conical crown. The bark is reddish-brown and peels off in thin strips. The leaves are oval-shaped with a pointed tip, and they have a serrated edge. They are green in the summer and turn yellow in the fall. The flowers are small, brownish-green, and appear in the spring. The nutlets are small and winged.
Care Guide
The Water Birch prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels and hardiness zones 4-9. During the growing season, it should be watered regularly, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Water Birch is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and birch leafminer. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. It is also prone to bronze birch borer, which can cause severe damage to the tree. This disease can be prevented by keeping the tree healthy and avoiding damage to the bark.
Habitat
The Water Birch is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, riparian areas, and mountainous regions. It is often used in landscaping and can be found in parks and gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Water Birch?
A: The Water Birch can tolerate hardiness zones 4-9.
Q: What is the best time to prune the Water Birch?
A: The best time to prune the Water Birch is in late winter or early spring.
Q: What pests are the Water Birch susceptible to?
A: The Water Birch is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and birch leafminer.
Q: Where is the Water Birch native to?
A: The Water Birch is native to North America.
Related Plants
- Betula Nigra
- Betula Pendula
- Betula Papyrifera
References
- “Betula Occidentalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c680
- “Betula Occidentalis.” USDA Forest Service, www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/betocc/all.html
- “Water Birch.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/water-birch
