Bog Birch vs Northern Bayberry - TreeTime.ca

Bog Birch vs Northern Bayberry

Betula pumila

Myrica pensylvanica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bog Birch
Northern Bayberry

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.

Northern Bayberry makes an excellent hedge or feature shrub. It will retain its leaves in warmer climates but drops them in colder areas. They produce blue-grey berries that have a wax coating on them that can be used to make candles or soaps.

In colder hardiness zones the leaves turn an attractive orange to red colour in the fall, making it a striking addition to your landscape.

Northern Bayberry is native to Nova Scotia and tolerates both drought and wet conditions. It is also a nitrogen fixer that tolerates poor soil conditions.

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Northern Bayberry Quick Facts

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


Toxicity: Warning: The wax from bayberry fruit is considered toxic and may be carcinogenic.
Fall colour: red-orange
Berries: blue-gray
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Other Names: dwarf birch, low birch, scrub birch, swamp birch
Other Names: candlewood, myrique de pennsylvanie, small waxberry, swamp candleberry, tallow bayberry, tallow shrub, tallow tree, tallowshrub