dwarf bog birch (Betula fruticosa) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Dwarf bog birch is a small birch of wetlands and streambanks in northeastern Asia. It grows as a shrub, usually no taller than about 10 ft (3 m), instead of forming a tall white-barked tree.

Appearance

Appearance: The branches can be dark purple-brown or gray-black.
Growth form: It is a shrub that can reach about 10 ft (3 m).
Leaves: Its oval leaves are usually about 0.6–1.2 in (1.5–3 cm) long and have small, uneven teeth.
Fruit: Short upright or spreading clusters hold tiny winged fruits.

Look-alikes

bog birchBetula pumila

Bog birch (Betula pumila) is native to North America and tends to have rounder leaves with rounded teeth. Dwarf bog birch is from northeastern Asia and usually has longer leaves with sharper teeth; close photos help.

Why they get mixed upBoth are low birches associated with wet places.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Wetlands
Streambanks
Range: Its native range covers northeastern Asia, including Korea and, under some classifications, northern Japan. It is not native to the United States.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

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