Water birch can be found in wetlands and along streams and rivers. The tree, also known as Betula occidentalis, is favored for its tough and flexible wood that has a range of uses, from making furniture to tool handles. Some synonyms for water birch include western birch, mountain birch, and red birch due to the reddish-brown color of the bark. Another synonym, wild birch, highlights the tree's natural habitat in untamed areas. The tree is also sometimes referred to as swamp birch because of its affinity for marshy soils. Despite the various names, water birch remains a formidable presence in many riparian ecosystems.