No images found for this plant ID: 5554.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "5554" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
bog birch
Scientific Name: Betula pumila
Family: Betulaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: CT (swamp birch), IA (bog birch), MA (swamp birch)
Betula pumila: Swamp or Bog Birch
Betula pumila, commonly known as Swamp Birch or Bog Birch, is a deciduous shrub found in North America.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- This shrub can reach a height of 1-4 meters.
- The twigs are described as glandular.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Betula pumila
- Common Names: Swamp Birch, Bog Birch, Dwarf Birch, Low Birch, Scrub Birch, Tundra Dwarf Birch, Glandular Birch, Resin Birch, Glandular Shrub Birch
- Family: Betulaceae (Birch family)
- Group: Dicot
- Synonyms:
- Betula borealis Spach
- Betula glandulifera (Regel)
- B. T. Butler
- Betula glandulosa Michaux var. glandulifera (Regel) Gleason
Distribution and Habitat
Bog Birch is native to North America and is commonly found in the upper Midwest. It is considered rare in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. This plant thrives in acidic, boggy areas with full sun exposure. It is often found alongside plants with similar tolerances, such as willow.
Morphological Characteristics
- Betula pumila is a deciduous shrub that can be erect or trailing and matted.
- It typically grows to be 1-4 meters (4 to 13 feet) in height, forming an irregular to spreading shape.
- Twigs are short-pubescent and densely glandular.
- Leaves are nearly circular or broadly obovate, usually 1/2 to 1 inch long (often wider than long) with crenate margins, and are glandular, paler beneath.
- Leaves turn yellow with hints of orange in the fall.
- It produces male and female catkins on the same shrub (monoecious). Male catkins develop during the autumn at the tips of last year's growth.
Ecological Role
In Alberta's Rocky Mountain region, brush encroachment of rangelands by Bog Birch is a concern, leading to the use of burning as a management technique.
Interactions with Other Organisms
Bog Birch is often found alongside other plants with similar tolerances such as willow.
Resources and Further Information
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Provides help and information on Betula pumila var. glandulifera.
- Discover Life: Offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Betula pumila.
- University of Wyoming: Provides research information about the plant.