Bog Birch vs Round Leaf Hawthorn - TreeTime.ca

Bog Birch vs Round Leaf Hawthorn

Crataegus chrysocarpa (Crataegus rotundifolia)

Betula pumila

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Round Leaf Hawthorn
Bog Birch

Getting its name from rounded, toothed leaves, the Round Leaf Hawthorn is a winter hardy shrub that grows small, red, berry-like fruits.

Commonly used for landscaping, this shrub can also be found along stream banks and in wooded areas. Caution is advised when handling the Round Leaf Hawthorn, as it can have sharp thorns approximately 1" long.

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.

Round Leaf Hawthorn Quick Facts

Bog Birch Quick Facts

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


Foliage: round, serrated
Fall colour: red-orange
Flowers: showy white
Fruit: small red berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
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