Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Dwarf Birch, Bog Birch

Description:

Unlike most birches, this is a small naturally dwarf shrub with a compact, rounded habit and reasonably fine-textured foliage; extremely hardy and adaptable, does very well in wet sites; a good utility shrub for garden detail, impressive in groupings

Ornamental Features

Arctic Birch has dark green deciduous foliage on a plant with a round habit of growth. The pointy leaves do not develop any appreciable fall colour.

Landscape Attributes

Arctic Birch is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Arctic Birch is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Arctic Birch will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America.