Rocky Mountain Birch
Betula occidentalis

Family: Birch (Betulaceae)
AKA: River Birch, Water Birch
Photo taken on: June 30, 2007
Location: Oh-Be-Joyful, GV, CO
Life Zones: Foothills to subalpine
Habitat: Beside streams

A shrub or small tree growing to 30ft with spreading, slender branches. Bark is reddish brown and smooth with pale horizontal lines. Leaves are oval and toothed. Flowers are catkins.

Flora of North America reference.