Sea Buckthorn (Seaberry) vs Bog Birch - TreeTime.ca

Sea Buckthorn (Seaberry) vs Bog Birch

Betula pumila

Hippophae rhamnoides l.

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bog Birch
Sea Buckthorn (Seaberry)

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.

Sea Buckthorn, aka Seaberry, is a nitrogen fixing shrub that produces attractive berries high in vitamin C.

While we can't confirm claims that the berries are effective in treating various ailments, many people believe consuming the berries helps with arthritis, infections, and asthma, among other things.

Sea Buckthorn plants have attractive pale silvery-green leaves, dense branches, and large thorns, people like to grow in ornamental hedges or as a first row in a shelterbelt.

Note: these plants typically reach maturity and make their sex easily known (females producing fruit) in their 3rd or 4th year of growth. Our seedlings are too young to identify their sex.

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Sea Buckthorn (Seaberry) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.99 - SAVE UP TO 72%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 2b
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Foliage: slender silvery-green leaves
Fall colour: red-orange
Berries: small, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: dwarf birch, low birch, scrub birch, swamp birch
Other Names: sallowthorn, sandthorn, seaberry