Common Cattail vs Dwarf-Bog Birch - TreeTime.ca

Common Cattail vs Dwarf-Bog Birch

Betula glandulosa

Typha latifolia

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Dwarf-Bog Birch
Common Cattail

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.

Cattail is found all across North America, growing next to water. Like other waterside plants, Cattail provides erosion control and forage for animals.

It is suitable for land reclamation. Cattail is able to tolerate cold weather and occasional flooding.

Dwarf-Bog Birch Quick Facts

Common Cattail Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: spreading to prostrate, clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - medium, layering - medium
Suckering: medium


Foliage: thick, flat
Bark: reddish brown
Flowers: yellow and green
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: baco, bulrush, cat o nine tails, cossack asparagus, flag, reed mace, rush