Ninebark vs Bog Birch - TreeTime.ca

Ninebark vs Bog Birch

Physocarpus opulifolius

Betula pumila

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Ninebark
Bog Birch

Ninebark is a small, multi-stemmed shrub, that is used to add texture or colour to any yard.

It features flaky, cinnamon-brown bark, attractive white flowers, and long, maple-like leaves.

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.

Ninebark Quick Facts

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Fall colour: red-orange
Flowers: small white clusters
Berries: small pink to purple berry like follicles
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB
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