Common Juniper vs Bog Birch - TreeTime.ca

Common Juniper vs Bog Birch

Betula pumila

Juniperus communis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bog Birch
Common Juniper

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 Juniper is a wide spreading, coniferous shrub with scaly needles and small, berry-like cones. Used as a landscaping shrub, it typically grows 3 or 4 feet tall and will not spread like Creeping Juniper.

You can plant Common Juniper near building foundations or beneath larger trees to provide year-round color and texture to your yard with minimal maintenance.

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Common Juniper Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Fall colour: red-orange
Fall colour: green
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
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