Dwarf Birch
Betula nana
USDA photo, uploader user:MPF
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Betulaceae
- Genus:
- Betula
- Species:
- Betula nana
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 6 in - 1 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr, may
- Bloom Colors:
- Green
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- peaty, nutrient-poor, acidic soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in bogs and tundra
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 14 days if sown outside Fall season. No pretreatment necessary if sown in the Fall.
Establishment: B. nana is found throughout the arctic and subarctic regions of the Northern hemisphere; in North America, Europe and Asia. Most of Alaska eastward through YT, NT, and Nunavut to Hudson Bay and dipping into extreme northern BC, AB, SK, and MB. Collection made in late summer/early Fall.
Source: npn.rngr.net