Common Snowberry vs Bog Birch - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Bog Birch

Symphoricarpos albus

Betula pumila

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Common Snowberry
Bog Birch

Common Snowberry is a small deciduous shrub with characteristic white to pink flowers and clusters of white fruit.

This North American native species is very adaptable, and can be used for erosion control in riparian and restoration areas. Snowberry's fruit attracts wildlife, and livestock can consume the berries without issue.

Bog Birch is a hardy, deciduous shrub native to North America. It thrives in wetlands, riparian zones, and boreal forests, and can be found as far north as the Arctic Circle—making it one of the few woody plants to grow in such extreme climates.

In Western Canada, it is especially common in moist lowlands, along streambanks, and in peatlands. Beyond its ecological role in stabilizing soils and supporting wildlife, Bog Birch is frequently used in reclamation and restoration projects due to its resilience and ability to establish quickly in disturbed or degraded landscapes.

Note: We use Bog Birch for Betula pumila. This species is also known by many other common names, including Dwarf Birch, Swamp Birch, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $4.99 - SAVE UP TO 46%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: none

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Fall colour: red-orange
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Berries: white waxy berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NT
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: common snowberry
Other Names: dwarf birch, low birch, scrub birch, swamp birch