Bog Birch vs Royal Frost Birch - TreeTime.ca

Bog Birch vs Royal Frost Birch

Betula pumila

Betula x Royal Frost

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bog Birch
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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.

Royal Frost Birch is a beautiful, cold hardy tree. It features burgundy-red-purple foliage, turning a showy yellow-orange-red in fall. The attractive white bark is striking on a winter landscape.

Royal Frost Birch loves moisture. To meet this trees' moisture needs, try applying bark mulch over the root system. Keep in mind that this variety only likes to be pruned in summer to avoid “bleeding” sap.

The Royal Frost cultivar is popular for its upright pyramidal growth habit and fuller purple foliage.

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Royal Frost Birch Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


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


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