Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Betulaceae

Genus:

Betula

Species:

Betula occidentalis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

20-40 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr, may

Bloom Colors:

Yellow, Green, Brown

Native Range

United States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Yukon

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Commonly found near streams and wetlands

Germination Information