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WATER(RED)BIRCH (Betula occidentalis)
Other names: birch; may have been confused with alder.

VERY POOR TO GOOD

The water birch is usually a small shrub-like tree found throughout the Rocky Mountain region and westerly into eastern Oregon and Washington. It usually grows along stream banks, may reach 12" diameter, and an age of 100 years. The bark is dark, thin, and does not have the "birch bark" appearance of white birch. The wood decays rapidly when dead and down. New trees often "stool" out in clumps from the old stump. This tree may very easily have been confused with alder by the original surveyor because of the similar appearance. The wide variance in grading, from very poor to good, is due to the wide range of opinion in reports. Montana considers this tree very poor, whereas Wyoming reports it as good. Growing site and climatic conditions would be a determining factor on the desirability of water birch as a bearing tree.

There are no reports of water birch as an original bearing tree. 

If nothing better is available the water birch could be used. Bark scribing is the best bet. Select the better, well formed tree, 6" or so in diameter. If blazing is necessary keep the face a minimum in size, through the sapwood, and paint thoroughly.