Betula pumila
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Betula pumila

American dwarf birch · Arctic dwarf birch · Bog birch · Low birch · Swamp birch

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
0
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 2–7
Click count
103
Observations
11

Description

Source: leafsnap

Betula pumila (dwarf birch or bog birch) is a deciduous shrub native to North America. Bog birch occurs over a vast area of northern North America, from Yukon in the west to New England in the east and all the way to Washington and Oregon, inhabiting swamps and riparian zones in the boreal forests.

🎭 Defense, Deliverance, Cleansing

Care Guide

💧 Water

To care for newly planted bog birch, water them carefully. Water for 30 seconds twice a week, ensuring the soil stays moist but not dry or overly saturated. Once the plants are established, you only need to water them during hot summer months. Use a hose to apply a gentle stream of water over the root system.

☀️ Light Full sun

Bog birch comes from open habitats, like sunny meadows and forest edges, which offer plentiful light. It flourishes in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun, doing well across different light conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Bog Birch?

Bog Birch (Betula pumila) thrives when it receives more than 6 hours of sunlight daily. It's important to observe the way sunlight moves through your garden to identify areas that offer an ideal mix of light and shade, ensuring the optimal growth environment for your plants. This careful placement helps guarantee the happiness and health of your Bog Birch.

🌡️ Temperature 0–32.2°C

Bog birch is highly adaptable to a variety of climate conditions, whether it's very hot summers or cold winters. Still, it has an optimal temperature range for healthy growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant is vulnerable to heat and humidity stress, which may lead to its death. In areas where temperatures reach the lower edge of its cold tolerance, it is important to apply insulation measures to protect the plant.

Ideal temperature: 0–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Fertilize your Bog birch in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular feeding improves its overall health, leading to vigorous growth, increased resilience to harsh conditions, and better resistance to pests and diseases. Follow a consistent fertilization schedule for your Bog birch to keep the foliage vibrant, richly colored, and lush.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The bog birch is a resilient deciduous shrub with flexible branches that usually grows in wetlands. To keep your bog birch healthy and well-shaped, prune it in early spring. Focus on removing dead growth, but avoid heavy pruning. Regular maintenance is important for promoting health and preventing disease, and pruning at the right time helps the shrub recover better. For more detailed guidance, consult established sources on best practices.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Betula
Family
Betulaceae
Hardiness Zone
2-7
Mature Height
1.22 m to 3.66 m
Mature Spread
0.91 m to 2.13 m
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow, Green
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Early spring, Mid spring
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Tags (7)

Common Names (7)

en American dwarf birch
en Arctic dwarf birch
en Bog birch
en Low birch
en Swamp birch
en Dwarf birch
en Shrub birch