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dwarf birch
Scientific Name: Betula nana
Family: Betulaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Dwarf Birch (Betula nana)
The dwarf birch, scientifically known as Betula nana, is a fascinating shrub found in arctic and cool temperate regions.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that the leaves and flowers of the dwarf birch are edible.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Betula nana
- Common Names: Dwarf birch, Dwarf Arctic birch
- Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family)
- Synonyms/Related Species: Betula glandulosa (American Dwarf Birch, Resin Birch, Shrub Birch), Betula pumila, Betula apoiensis
- Taxonomic Note: Some sources combine Betula nana ssp. exilis into Betula glandulosa.
Distribution and Habitat
- Primarily found in the tundra of the Arctic region.
- Native to northern Europe, Iceland (common except in some interior regions), and North America.
- Also found in the Highlands of Scotland, though it is now scarce.
- Specific locations mentioned include Norway, Kuujjuaq in northern Quebec, Yukon in Canada, and Mt. Apoi in Hokkaido, Japan.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- A shrub or dwarf shrub, typically reaching a height of 0.2-0.8 meters (7-30 inches), though sometimes growing to a few feet.
- A creeping dwarf-shrub with woody stems.
- Deciduous.
- Neatly rounded shrub with lustrous dark green, round-toothed leaves.
Ecological Role
- An important component of the montane shrub community.
- Dominant deciduous dwarf shrub in many tundra ecosystems.
Quirky Facts
- Dwarf birch is used for condiments and flavorings in stews.
- It is also used medicinally as moxa.
- Juvenile stages of Betula glandulosa in the Yukon, Canada, are rarely browsed by snowshoe hares.
Genetic and Cytological Information
- Betula nana is a diploid.
- The genome sequence of the dwarf birch has been assembled, making it an excellent model for birch genomics due to its small size and genome.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Juvenile stages of the dwarf birch (Betula glandulosa) from the Yukon, Canada, are rarely browsed by snowshoe hares (LePus americanus).
Resources and Further Information
- Dedicated birch genome website: www.birchgenome.org
- RHS information on Betula nana: Find help & information on Betula nana dwarf birch from the RHS.
- The Birch Tree Genome Project: School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London.