Arctic dwarf birch (Betula nana, Sp. Pl.: 983 (1753))

Family: Betulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 983 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Betula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic and Mts. of Europe, E. Subarctic America

Description

The Arctic dwarf birch, known scientifically as Betula nana, is a fascinating plant species renowned for its unique adaptations to extreme environments. Described in 1753 by the eminent botanist Linnaeus, this diminutive shrub belongs to the Betulaceae family, a group distinguished by their crucial ecological roles in northern and mountainous regions.

Primarily inhabiting subarctic and mountainous zones, the Arctic dwarf birch is well-suited to the harsh climates of Europe and Eastern Subarctic America. This tenacious plant thrives in these regions, showcasing remarkable resilience to cold temperatures, poor soils, and strong winds.

Betula nana is characterized by its small, rounded leaves, which are finely toothed and often exhibit a vibrant hue of green that transitions to striking yellows and reds during autumn. This seasonal color change adds a layer of visual interest to the often stark, tundra landscapes where it is found.

The plant’s low, shrubby form, rarely exceeding 1 meter in height, helps it conserve heat and stay low to the ground where it can benefit from the relatively warmer microclimates created by the earth’s surface. Additionally, its extensive root system stabilizes the soil and helps prevent erosion, while also enabling the plant to effectively absorb nutrients in nutrient-poor conditions.

Throughout its range, the Arctic dwarf birch plays a vital ecological role. It provides essential habitat and food for various wildlife species while also contributing to the stabilization and enrichment of soil. The plant is also of interest for its potential use in understanding climate change, as shifts in its distribution and growth patterns can serve as indicators of environmental changes.

Overall, Betula nana is not just a plant of scientific curiosity but also one of ecological significance, exemplifying the intricate balance within subarctic and mountainous ecosystems. Its study offers valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of life in the face of some of the world’s most challenging climates.

Common Names

Eng: arctic dwarf birch, alpine birch, bog birch, dwarf birch, shrub birch, scrub birch, swamp birch
Deu: zwerg-birke
Fra: bouleau nain, bouleau nain d’europe
Pol: brzoza karlowata
Swe: dvärgbjörk, vaivaiskoivu
Lav: pundurberzs
Nob: risbjørk, (dvergbjørk)
Nno: risbjørk
Fin: vaivaiskoivu
Cym: corfedw, corfedwen
En: Arctic dwarf birch, Alpine birch, Dwarf birch, Swamp Birch, BOG BIRCH, Scrub birch, Skierri, Shrub birch, Dwarf arctic Birch
Eu: Urki nano
Be: Бяроза карлікавая
Bg: Ниска бреза
Ca: Bedoll nan
Zh: 圆叶桦
Cs: Bříza trpasličí, Bříza zakrslá
Da: Dværg-Birk
Nl: Dwergberk
Et: Vaevakask
Ee: Madal kask
Fi: Vaivaiskoivu
Fr: Bouleau nain, Bouleau nain d’Europe
Ka: Ქონდარა არყი
De: Strauch-Birke, Zwerg-Birke, Brockenbirke, Polar Birke, Zwergbirke
Is: Fjalldrapi
It: Betulla nana
Kl: Avaalaqiaq
Kk: Tırbıqtoğaý, Тырбықтоғай, تىربىقتوعاي
Lv: Pundurbērzs, Pundurberzs
Li: Liekninis beržas
Lt: Zemais bērzs
Mk: Џуџеста бреза
Gv: Beih veg
Se: Skierri
No: Dvergbjørk
Nb: Risbjørk, (dvergbjørk)
Nn: Risbjørk
Fa: توس کوتوله
Pl: Brzoza niska, Brzoza karlowata
Ru: Берёза карликовая
Sv: Dvärgbjörk, Vaivaiskoivu
Uk: Береза карликова
Cy: Corfedwen corfedw, Corfedw, Corfedwen

Synonyms

• Betula nana var. intermedia (Regel)
• Betula nana var. reducta (Hultén)
• Betula viminea var. serrulata (Kindb.)
• Betula nana f. magnifolia (Hartz)
• Betula nana var. europaea (Ledeb.)
• Betula nana var. macrophylla (Gaudin)
• Betula nana f. reducta ((Hultén) B.Boivin)
• Betula alba subsp. nana ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Chamaebetula nana ((L.) Opiz)
• Betula tundrarum (Perfil.)
• Betula nana var. relicta (Th.Fr. ex Gürke)
• Betula littelliana (Tucker)
• Betula crenata (Rydb. ex E.J.Butler)
• Alnus nana ((L.) Clairv.)
• Betula viminea (Kindb.)
• Betula nana var. borealis (Regel)
• Chamaebetula acutifolia (Opiz)
• Betula naniformis (Lindb. ex Kindb.)
• Betula nana var. flabellifolia (Hook.)
• Betula nana subsp. relicta ((Th.Fr. ex Gürke) Nyman)
• Betula nana subsp. tundrarum ((Perfil.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
• Betula glandulosa f. intermedia (Kurtz)
• Betula nana var. genuina (Regel)

Distribution

• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Svalbard (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• West Siberia (native)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Mar 1, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Елена н (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Leaf

Taken Feb 9, 2021 by raven jade onstott (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by francois Doublet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Roland Zschuppe (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 12, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 23, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Claude FIGUREAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Gemma de luna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

Taken Jun 21, 2006 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Flower

Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Jean Luc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by Folkard Asch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2018 by José Miguel Olano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2006 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5332004)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:301322-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Betula nana L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Multiple Stem

Growth habit: Shrub, Subshrub

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 4.9

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘may’]

Soil nutriments: 2