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bog birch
Scientific Name: Betula pumila var. renifolia
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 native deciduous shrub found in North America.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- This plant has resin-filled, wart-like glands on its twigs.
- The text mentions the plant has glandular parts.
- It produces catkins, which might be tempting for pets or children to play with.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Betula pumila
- Common Names: Swamp Birch, Bog Birch, Dwarf Birch, Low Birch, Scrub Birch, Tundra dwarf birch, Resin birch, Glandular birch, Glandular shrub birch, Arctic dwarf birch.
- Family: Betulaceae (Birch family)
- Group: Dicot
- Synonyms: Betula borealis, B. glandulifera, B. glandulosa var. glandulifera
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America.
- Common in the upper Midwest.
- Found in acidic, boggy areas and wet habitats, including bogs, muskegs, peat bogs, and stream banks.
- Specifically mentioned as rare in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Ecological Role
- Brush encroachment of rangelands is a major concern, and Bog Birch plays a role in this.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Typically reaches 1-4 meters (3-13 feet) in height.
- May be erect or trailing and matted.
- Clump-forming shrub.
- Erect but coarse growth pattern forming an irregular to spreading shape.
- Twigs are short-pubescent and densely glandular.
- Leaf blades are cuneate with crenate margins, 1-4 cm long, glandular, and paler beneath.
- Leaves are broadly obovate to nearly round, 1/2 to 1 inch long, often wider than long.
- Leaves turn yellow with hints of orange in the fall.
- Has reddish-brown stems.
- Produces male and female catkins on the same shrub (monoecious). Male catkins develop during autumn at the tips of last year's growth.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Often surrounded by plants with similar tolerances, such as willow.
Further Information
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Find help & information on Betula pumila var. glandulifera.
- Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Betula pumila.
- University of Wyoming repository: Information about Bog Birch.
- Dave's Garden: Community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.