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bog birch
Scientific Name: Betula pumila var. pumila
Family: Betulaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Betula pumila: Swamp or Bog Birch
Betula pumila, commonly known as Swamp Birch or Bog Birch, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the birch family.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that the species *glandulosa* has resin-filled wart-like glands on its twigs. It is unclear if *pumila* does as well, but the presence of resins could be a consideration.
- Betula pumila produces catkins, small parts that could be ingested.
Considerations for Children
- The species *glandulosa* has resin-filled wart-like glands on its twigs. It is unclear if *pumila* does as well, but the presence of resins could be a consideration.
- Betula pumila produces catkins, small parts that could be ingested.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Betula pumila
- Common Names: Swamp Birch, Bog Birch, Dwarf Birch, Low Birch, Scrub Birch, Tundra Dwarf Birch. Other names found in different languages include Bouleau glanduleux (French).
- Family: Betulaceae (Birch family)
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Betula borealis, B. glandulifera, B. glandulosa var. glandulifera.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America.
- Common in the upper Midwest.
- Found on boggy sites, in acidic, boggy areas, muskegs, peat bogs, stream banks, and open subalpine summits.
- Listed as rare in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Morphological Characteristics
- Deciduous shrub, typically reaching 1-4 meters (approximately 3-13 feet) in height, though size can vary.
- May be erect or trailing and matted.
- Has an erect but coarse growth pattern forming an irregular to spreading shape.
- Small, round, dark green leaves that turn yellow with hints of orange in the fall.
- Leaves are broadly obovate to nearly round, 1/2 to 1 inch long, and often wider than long. Leaves have wedge-shaped base and toothed edges.
- Twigs are short-pubescent and densely glandular.
- Leaf blades are cuneate with crenate margins, 1-4 cm long, glandular, and paler beneath.
- Monoecious, producing both male and female catkins on the same shrub. Male catkins develop during autumn at the tips of last year's growth.
Ecological Role
- Brush encroachment of rangelands is a major concern where this plant is present.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Often surrounded by plants with similar tolerances, such as willow.
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 - Journal of Human-Environment Relations Reports: Available through the University of Nebraska repository.