Bog Birch vs Spicebush - TreeTime.ca

Bog Birch vs Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

Betula pumila

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Spicebush
Bog Birch

The Spicebush is an unique ornamental shrub that blooms with vibrant yellow flowers and bright green foliage. The foliage goes from green to yellow in the autumn, adding fall interest to your garden.The plant is dioecious, meaning that you will need male and female plants in order to harvest it’s red berries. Berries are only produced on female plants. The berries themselves aren’t that sweet, and are mostly enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

The Spicebush, also commonly known as Common Spicebush, Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, and Benjamin Bush, is named after its distinctive spicy-sweet fragrance that comes from the flowers.

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.

Spicebush Quick Facts

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
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: any
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none


Foliage: fragrant
Fall colour: red-orange
Flowers: greenish yellow
Berries: red
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: benjamin bush, common spicebush, northern spicebush, wild allspice
Other Names: dwarf birch, low birch, scrub birch, swamp birch