Bog Birch
Betula pumila
Also known as: Northern Birch
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States
Mason Brock ( Masebrock (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Betulaceae
- Genus:
- Betula
- Species:
- Betula pumila
- USDA Symbol:
- BEPU4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- brown, yellow
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia), Nevada buckmoth (Hemileuca nevadensis-complex), New England buck moth (Hemileuca lucina), Western tent caterpillar (Malacosoma californica)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, beaver
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- wet, organic-rich, peaty soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and bogs
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days; sow on moist peat or sphagnum surface.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Notes: Seeds may require light for optimal germination.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temps incl. freezing for 3 months. Increase light/temp in spring.