Dwarf Birch vs Northern Bayberry - TreeTime.ca

Dwarf Birch vs Northern Bayberry

Myrica pensylvanica

Betula pumila

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Northern Bayberry
Dwarf Birch

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.

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 Quick Facts

Dwarf Birch Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Fall colour: red-orange
Berries: blue-gray
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none



Toxicity: Warning: The wax from bayberry fruit is considered toxic and may be carcinogenic.

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