Western River Birch
Betula occidentalis
Tree Type: small, ornamental
Hardiness Zone: 3
Height: 15-20 feet
Spread: 15-20 feet
Sun: full sun to part shade
Soil Composition: well-drained, moist to wet
Water Needs: tolerates moist soil conditions
Growth Rate: moderate
Maintenance: low
Flowers: yellow
Description: A native to most of the country, this is commonly found as a multi-stemmed small tree in riparian zones. Effective as a hedge or border—especially in the wetter parts of a yard. Seeds attract birds but not deer.
Ornamental Features: An airy, rounded canopy with ovate-shaped deciduous leaves that are yellow-green to green in color with toothed edges that turn yellow in the fall. Beautiful burgundy colored bark with white lenticels provide appeal during winter.
Planting & Growing: In general, this is a low maintenance tree with minimal pruning required. Remove crossing or crowded branches during the dormant season. Avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running because bleeding will occur. Over-irrigation should not be a problem, but this tree is highly susceptible to drought stress. Consider using soaker hoses and bark mulches to keep the root zones cool and moist. Tolerates flooding. Birch leaf miner and aphids are potential insect problems. Weakened birches become vulnerable to the bronze birch borer, which can infect and kill trees, particularly those that are stressed by summer heat and humidity.
Best grown in front/back yards, and in the landscape parking strip at LEAST 7 feet wide, along city streets. Plant at least 10 feet from fire hydrants, ground-mounted utility boxes, buildings, fences and driveways. Plant at least 15 feet from shrubs and other similar-sized trees. Plant 15 feet from large trees.
Source: Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery & J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
Betula occidentalis
Tree Type: small, ornamental
Hardiness Zone: 3
Height: 15-20 feet
Spread: 15-20 feet
Sun: full sun to part shade
Soil Composition: well-drained, moist to wet
Water Needs: tolerates moist soil conditions
Growth Rate: moderate
Maintenance: low
Flowers: yellow
Description: A native to most of the country, this is commonly found as a multi-stemmed small tree in riparian zones. Effective as a hedge or border—especially in the wetter parts of a yard. Seeds attract birds but not deer.
Ornamental Features: An airy, rounded canopy with ovate-shaped deciduous leaves that are yellow-green to green in color with toothed edges that turn yellow in the fall. Beautiful burgundy colored bark with white lenticels provide appeal during winter.
Planting & Growing: In general, this is a low maintenance tree with minimal pruning required. Remove crossing or crowded branches during the dormant season. Avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running because bleeding will occur. Over-irrigation should not be a problem, but this tree is highly susceptible to drought stress. Consider using soaker hoses and bark mulches to keep the root zones cool and moist. Tolerates flooding. Birch leaf miner and aphids are potential insect problems. Weakened birches become vulnerable to the bronze birch borer, which can infect and kill trees, particularly those that are stressed by summer heat and humidity.
Best grown in front/back yards, and in the landscape parking strip at LEAST 7 feet wide, along city streets. Plant at least 10 feet from fire hydrants, ground-mounted utility boxes, buildings, fences and driveways. Plant at least 15 feet from shrubs and other similar-sized trees. Plant 15 feet from large trees.
Source: Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery & J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
Betula occidentalis
Tree Type: small, ornamental
Hardiness Zone: 3
Height: 15-20 feet
Spread: 15-20 feet
Sun: full sun to part shade
Soil Composition: well-drained, moist to wet
Water Needs: tolerates moist soil conditions
Growth Rate: moderate
Maintenance: low
Flowers: yellow
Description: A native to most of the country, this is commonly found as a multi-stemmed small tree in riparian zones. Effective as a hedge or border—especially in the wetter parts of a yard. Seeds attract birds but not deer.
Ornamental Features: An airy, rounded canopy with ovate-shaped deciduous leaves that are yellow-green to green in color with toothed edges that turn yellow in the fall. Beautiful burgundy colored bark with white lenticels provide appeal during winter.
Planting & Growing: In general, this is a low maintenance tree with minimal pruning required. Remove crossing or crowded branches during the dormant season. Avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running because bleeding will occur. Over-irrigation should not be a problem, but this tree is highly susceptible to drought stress. Consider using soaker hoses and bark mulches to keep the root zones cool and moist. Tolerates flooding. Birch leaf miner and aphids are potential insect problems. Weakened birches become vulnerable to the bronze birch borer, which can infect and kill trees, particularly those that are stressed by summer heat and humidity.
Best grown in front/back yards, and in the landscape parking strip at LEAST 7 feet wide, along city streets. Plant at least 10 feet from fire hydrants, ground-mounted utility boxes, buildings, fences and driveways. Plant at least 15 feet from shrubs and other similar-sized trees. Plant 15 feet from large trees.
Source: Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery & J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.