Betula occidentalis, also known as Water Birch or Red Birch, is a species of birch native to western North America. This deciduous shrub or small tree grows up to 10 meters in height and typically occurs along streams in mountainous regions. The bark is dark reddish-brown to blackish, and its leaves are alternate, ovate to rhombic, and serrated with a short petiole up to 1.5 cm long. Water birch is known for its tendency to epicormic growth resulting in many small limbs sprouting from the trunk, resulting in full wood with small knots. Water birch is generally top-killed and sprouts from the base following fire, making it suited for use in restoration projects. Its buds and twigs are also used as a flavoring in stews.