Water Birch (Betula occidentalis)

Family: Betulaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Betula occidentalis is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a fast rate.The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers, Sap/Syrup, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in stews. — Young leaves and catkins - raw.; The buds and twigs are used as a flavouring in stews.; Inner bark - raw or cooked.; Best in the spring.

Habitat & North American Range

Usually found on the banks of streams or moister spots in forests, it is also occasionally found in drier sites. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)