Resin Birch

Scientific name

Betula glandulosa

Description

The Resin Birch is a medium sized deciduous shrub species that typically grows 1-3 m in height. This species may also be known by the common names American Dwarf Birch, Scrub Birch, or Glandular Birch. The bark is smooth and thin, while the twigs are bumpy with large resinous glands. The leaves are green coloured, small, thick, leathery, circular to oval shaped, 0.5-3 cm long, have rounded toothed margin, and have resin glands. This shrub produces stout, upright catkins in April to May, which are cylinder shaped clusters of flowers. Resin 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. Resin Birch is a good food source for many wildlife species including deer, moose, bears, small mammals, birds, and insects. This shrub also has an extensive root system so is useful for controlling erosion. Resin Birch can be easily confused with Dwarf Birch but is distinguished by the resin glands on the twigs and leaves.

Planting conditions

Resin Birch grows best in wet to moist soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, pH levels, and low nutrients. However, this plant is intolerant of continuous flooding but may be tolerant of periodic drought. Resin Birch is also shade intolerant so should be planted where it will have some sun exposure. It is very tolerant of the cold and considered a winter hardy plant. It is also tolerant of nutrient poor soil. This shrub is naturally found in bogs, fens, along river or lake shorelines, and in rocky tundra habitats.

Details

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