Bog Birch vs Discovery Japanese Elm - TreeTime.ca

Bog Birch vs Discovery Japanese Elm

Betula pumila

Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Discovery

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bog Birch
Discovery Japanese Elm

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.

Discovery Japanese Elm is great for anyone who doesn't have a lot of time to maintain their trees as it doesn't drop many seeds. It has beautiful dark green foliage and is resistant to Dutch Elm Disease. This elm is similar in shape to the American Elm but is roughly 30% smaller. Instead of having an irregular and broad-shaped crown as other Japanese Elms do, the Discovery Japenses Elm has symmetrical branching, an upright growth form, and develops a classic vase-like crown.

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Discovery Japanese Elm Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 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: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Foliage: dark green
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