General: Water Birch (Betula occidentalis) is a short, spindly, many branched tree with crinkly, notched leaves that grows in wet areas. The bark is silver with horizontal white marks.

Water Birch is a rare component of streamside montane communities in the Transition (Yellow Pine Forests) and Canadian (Pine-Fir Forest) life zones. Look for this species up on Mt. Charleston in the Deer Creek Drainage.

Family: Birch (Betulaceae).

Other Names: Betula beeniana, Betula fontinalis, Betula occidentalis var. inopina, Betula papyrifera ssp. occidentalis, Betula papyrifera var. occidentalis.

Plant Form: Low tree with many trunks.

Height: To less than 30 ft.

Trunk: Silver bark

Leaves: Margins doubly serrate

Flowers: catkins

Seeds:

Habitat: Mountain streamside communities.

Distribution: Western North America

Elevation: About 2,000 to 8,000 feet.

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