Common Caragana vs Bog Birch - TreeTime.ca

Common Caragana vs Bog Birch

Caragana arborescens

Betula pumila

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Common Caragana
Bog Birch

Common Caragana is a fast growing shrub that's known for its exceptional hardiness and drought tolerance. Although it's most commonly planted in shelterbelts, Common Caragana is also an excellent hedge or feature shrub.

Note: in warmer areas, this species can be difficult to contain once planted. Use the right plant in the right place.

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.

Common Caragana Quick Facts

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $2.49 - SAVE UP TO 50%
Zone: 1b
Zone: 2a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: red-orange
Flowers: yellow, in spring
Fruit: pod like fruits
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: black karagana, caragana, pea tree, siberian pea shrub, yellow acacia
Other Names: dwarf birch, low birch, scrub birch, swamp birch