Bog Birch vs Black Hawthorn - TreeTime.ca

Bog Birch vs Black Hawthorn

Betula pumila

Crataegus douglasii

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bog Birch
Black Hawthorn

Dwarf Birch, also known as Bog Birch for its common occurrence in wet areas, is a small deciduous shrub native to North America.

Found growing up into the arctic circle, this is one of the few trees that grows that far north.

Common in riparian zones and boreal forests across Western Canada. It is a common reclamation species.

This species is often used by local artisans to twist into shapes like willow and make decorative hearts, circles, etc.

Black Hawthorn is a versatile plant that is native to wetlands and other areas with moist soils, but can also tolerate dry soils. This plant can be grown as a short shrub, or a tree reaching 30 feet tall.

Black Hawthorn is valued for erosion control and attracting pollinators. It also makes an attractive flowering ornamental that can be planted as a specimen or pruned as a hedge. It is commonly used in shelterbelts.

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Black Hawthorn Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: red-orange
Fall colour: yellow to red
Bark: brown to gray
Flowers: white
Berries: purplish-black pomes
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: dwarf birch, low birch, scrub birch, swamp birch
Other Names: crataegus columbiana, douglas hawthorn, douglas' thornapple