Western water birch

Description:

Betula occidentalis Hook. Also known as simply Water birch or River birch. Occurs in all counties in Utah, and over much of the West. Utah's only native birch. As its common name indicates, it is a riparian species often found near or along creeks and in moist areas.September 5, 2011, Wasatch Plateau, Huntington Canyon, along Huntingon Creek, northwestern corner of Emery County, Utah at approx. 7,185 ft. elev., spruce-fir community. This was a phenomenal water year and the creek was still at a fairly high water level despite the lateness of the year