Bog Birch

Scientific name

Betula pumila

Description

Bog Birch is a medium sized deciduous shrub species that typically grows 1-3 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common name Swamp Birch. The leaves are alternately arranged, dark green coloured, simple, broadly rounded or fan shaped, have coarsely rounded or dentate toothed margins, and are 1-3 cm long. The lower trunk is grey while the stems are brownish red coloured and have scattered white lenticels. This shrub produces stout, upright catkins in April to May, which are cylinder shaped clusters of flowers. Bog Birch has both male and female catkins on the same plant. In the fall, tiny, greenish brown samara seeds with wings are developed and dispersed by wind. The Bog Birch is a good food source for wildlife including many bird species, mammals, and insects.

Planting conditions

Bog Birch grows best in wet or moist soil with full sun or partial sun exposure. It is very tolerant of the cold and considered a winter hardy plant. It is also tolerant of flooding and poorly drained soils. It is intolerant of drought and dry conditions. This shrub naturally occurs in bogs, fens, and along river or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Humus
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Basic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 0b
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 3 m
• Spread:
  • 3 m