DNRC Montana Conservation Seedling Nursery
Water Birch
Water Birch
Out of stock
*ORDERING QUANTITIES - our seedlings are sold in bulk*
10 - 27 cubic inch (ci) seedlings are sold in bundles of 24 (1 unit = 24 seedlings)
100 & 175 cubic inch (ci) seedlings are sold in bundles of 9 (1 unit = 9 seedlings)
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Betula occidentalis
Natural Habitat: Moist streambanks, river terraces, seeps, wet meadows, canyon bottoms, and mountain drainages
Foliage / Flowers: Deciduous multi‑stemmed shrub or small tree, typically 10-20 ft tall. Bark reddish brown to dark mahogany, smooth and glossy. Leaves are small, oval to round, finely serrated. Catkins appear in spring, with male catkins pendant and female catkins upright.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Moderate
20‑year Height: 10-20 ft
Elevation Range: Common from 3,000-8,500 ft
Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 2-7
Fire Tolerance: Low, top‑kills easily but may sprout from the base after light fire
Wind Tolerance: Moderate
Soil Preference: Moist, well‑drained sandy loams, silts or gravels, thrives along watercourses
Alkali / Saline Soil Tolerance: Low to moderate
Life Span: 30-60 years
Minimum Annual Precip: Performs best with 16-24 in or reliable riparian moisture
Drought Tolerance: Low, requires consistent moisture or access to groundwater
Windbreak Spacing: 6-10 ft
Potential Pests / Disease: Aphids, leaf miners, sawflies, cankers, leaf spot fungi
Deer Resistance: Low, heavily browsed by deer, elk and moose
Wildlife Value:
- Catkins and foliage support insects that feed birds and bats
- Seeds eaten by small birds
- Browsed by deer, elk and moose throughout the year
- Provides excellent cover and nesting habitat in riparian corridors
