Common Snowberry vs Dwarf-Bog Birch - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Dwarf-Bog Birch

Betula glandulosa

Symphoricarpos albus

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Dwarf-Bog Birch
Common Snowberry

Dwarf-Bog Birch is a native, cold-hardy shrub that can be found across most of Canada. Its preference for moist soils and the extensive root system make it well-suited for riparian zone plantings, soil stabilization, and erosion control projects.
It features small, round, leathery leaves with scalloped edges and produces small, cone-like catkins. A distinguishing characteristic of the Dwarf-Bog Birch is the presence of large resin glands on the branches and the undersides of the leaves. These resin glands are the reason for its scientific name, Betula glandulosa.
Note: We use Dwarf-Bog Birch for Betula glandulosa. This species is also known by many other common names, including Bog Birch, Dwarf Birch, Glandular Birch, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

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.

Dwarf-Bog Birch Quick Facts

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: spreading to prostrate, clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - medium, layering - medium
Suckering: none


Toxicity: berries toxic to humans
Bark: reddish brown
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Berries: white waxy berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


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