Family: Betulaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Mant. Pl. 1: 124 (1767)
Year: 1767
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Betula
Vegetable: False
Observations: N. America
Description
The American dwarf birch, scientifically known as Betula pumila, is a remarkable species native to North America. This resilient member of the Betulaceae family has adapted beautifully to the diverse ecosystems across the continent.
First described in 1767 by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus, whose contributions to plant taxonomy are immortalized in the “Mantissa Plantarum,” this petite birch can typically be found thriving in wetlands, peat bogs, and other moist habitats where it enjoys the cool, damp conditions. Its presence is particularly noted in parts of Canada and the northern United States, demonstrating a wide adaptability to various terrains.
Betula pumila stands out due to its smaller stature compared to its birch relatives. The plant often forms dense shrubs that can provide excellent cover and contribute significantly to the biodiversity of its environment. Its leaves are relatively small, rounded to broadly elliptical, and finely serrated, which is a characteristic feature that helps in identifying this species.
In addition to its ecological significance, the American dwarf birch holds value for conservationists. Its habitats are often sensitive and support a variety of other flora and fauna. Thus, Betula pumila serves as an indicator species for the health of these ecosystems and emphasizes the importance of wetland conservation efforts.
This humble yet vital shrub continues to be a subject of study for botanists and environmentalists alike, offering insights into plant adaptability, wetland ecosystem dynamics, and the impacts of climate change on native plant species. By understanding and preserving Betula pumila, we contribute to maintaining the ecological balance and ensuring the survival of many dependent species.
Common Names
Eng: american dwarf birch, arctic dwarf birch, bog birch, dwarf birch, low birch, swamp birch, shrub birch
Fra: bouleau nain, bouleau nain boréal
En: American dwarf birch, Arctic dwarf birch, Bog birch, Low birch, Swamp birch, Dwarf birch, Shrub birch
Fr: Bouleau nain, Bouleau nain boréal
: Northern birch
Synonyms
- Betula pumila var. typica (Regel)
- Betula nana var. glandulifera ((Regel) B.Boivin)
- Betula glandulifera ((Regel) E.J.Butler)
- Betula glandulosa var. glandulifera ((Regel) Gleason)
- Betula pumila var. glabra (Regel)
- Betula glandulosa var. hallii ((Howell) C.L.Hitchc.)
- Betula pumila subsp. glandulifera ((Regel) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
- Chamaebetula pumila ((L.) Opiz)
- Betula pumila var. glandulifera (Regel)
- Betula pumila var. glabrescens (Regel)
- Betula pumila var. fastigiata (Rehder)
- Betula neoborealis (Lepage)
- Betula pumila f. subcycla (Lepage)
- Betula hallii (Howell)
- Betula pumila var. setarioides (H.J.P.Winkl.)
- Betula pumila var. renifolia (Fernald)
- Betula pumila f. pubescens (H.J.P.Winkl.)
- Betula pumila var. latipes (H.J.P.Winkl.)
- Betula pumila f. latipes ((H.J.P.Winkl.) Lepage)
- Betula quebeccensis (Burgsd.)
- Betula pulchella (Dippel)
- Betula grayi (Regel)
- Betula pumila f. hallii ((Howell) Brayshaw)
- Betula nana var. renifolia ((Fernald) B.Boivin)
- Betula pumila f. glabrescens ((Regel) Regel)
- Betula pumila f. glandulifera ((Regel) H.J.P.Winkl.)
- Betula obovata (E.J.Butler)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Nunavut (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Renée-Louise Lamontagne (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2020 by Mat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Jacqueline n Neveu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Brett Bockhop (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 1, 2005 by EOL − Dean Wm. Taylor (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2015 by EOL − bendingtree (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Bark
Taken Jul 16, 2015 by EOL − bendingtree (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5331824)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30003581-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Betula pumila L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree