Bog Birch vs Dwarf-Bog Birch - TreeTime.ca

Bog Birch vs Dwarf-Bog Birch

Betula glandulosa

Betula pumila

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Dwarf-Bog Birch
Bog Birch

Dwarf-Bog Birch is a native, cold-hardy shrub that can be found across most of Canada. Its preference for moist soils and the extensive root system make it well-suited for riparian zone plantings, soil stabilization, and erosion control projects.
It features small, round, leathery leaves with scalloped edges and produces small, cone-like catkins. A distinguishing characteristic of the Dwarf-Bog Birch is the presence of large resin glands on the branches and the undersides of the leaves. These resin glands are the reason for its scientific name, Betula glandulosa.
Note: We use Dwarf-Bog Birch for Betula glandulosa. This species is also known by many other common names, including Bog Birch, Dwarf Birch, Glandular Birch, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

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.

Dwarf-Bog Birch Quick Facts

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: spreading to prostrate, clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - medium, layering - medium
Suckering: none


Fall colour: red-orange
Bark: reddish brown
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: dwarf birch, dwarf resin birch, glandular birch, resin birch, scrub birch, swamp birch
Other Names: dwarf birch, low birch, scrub birch, swamp birch