Shrubby birch (Betula humilis, Baier. Fl. 1: 420 (1789))

Family: Betulaceae

Author: Schrank

Bibliography: Baier. Fl. 1: 420 (1789)

Year: 1789

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Betula

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Subarctic & Subalpine Eurasia to Korea

Description

Shrubby birch, scientifically known as Betula humilis, is a member of the Betulaceae family. Described by Schrank in his work “Baier. Fl. 1: 420” published in 1789, this plant is noteworthy for its adaptation to colder climates. It predominantly inhabits subarctic and subalpine regions of Eurasia, extending its presence all the way to Korea.

Betula humilis is distinctively adapted to thrive in these harsh environments. The plant typically exhibits a shrubby growth form, which helps it withstand the colder temperatures and various environmental stresses found in such regions. These shrubby birches are usually found in wetland areas, contributing significantly to the local biodiversity and ecosystem health.

The shrubby birch plays an essential role within its habitat. It provides shelter and food for various species of wildlife, aiding in maintaining the ecological balance. The plant’s ability to endure the extremes of its environment makes it an interesting subject of study for botanists and ecologists alike, as it offers insights into survival strategies under subarctic and subalpine conditions.

Through its resilience and adaptability, Betula humilis exemplifies the remarkable tenacity of flora in some of the world’s most challenging climates. Its presence from Eurasia to Korea underscores its broad ecological amplitude and significance within these regions.

Common Names

Deu: niedrige birke, strauch-birke
Swe: buskbjörk
Eng: shrubby birch
Zho: dian sheng hua
En: Shrubby Birch
Be: Бяроза нізкая
Zh: Dian sheng hua, 甸生桦
Cs: Bříza nízká
Nl: Berk
Et: Madal kask
Fr: Bouleau arbustif
De: Niedrige Birke, Strauch-Birke
Is: Dvergbjörk
It: Betulla umile
Kk: Аласа қайың
Lv: Zemais bērzs
Lt: Liekninis beržas
No: Lavbjørk
Pl: Brzoza niska
Ru: Берёза низкая
Sv: Buskbjörk
Zh-tw: 甸生樺
Tt: Кәрлә каен
Zh-hant: 甸生樺
Uk: Береза низька

Synonyms

• Betula sibirica (Lodd. ex Regel)
• Betula humilis f. elliptica (Perfil.)
• Betula humilis f. ovata (Perfil.)
• Betula humilis var. cuneata (Perfil.)
• Betula humilis f. crispa (Perfil.)
• Betula humilis f. calcarata (Perfil.)
• Betula humilis f. obovata (Perfil.)
• Betula fruticosa subsp. extremiorientalis ((Kuzen. & V.N.Vassil.) Vorosch.)
• Betula humilis var. oycowiensis (Nyman)
• Betula humilis var. subcordata (Perfil.)
• Betula socolowii (J.Jacq. ex Regel)
• Betula humilis var. genuina (Regel)
• Betula extremiorientalis (Kuzen. & V.N.Vassil.)
• Betula humilis var. vulgaris (Perfil.)
• Betula myrsinoides (Tausch)
• Chamaebetula humilis ((Schrank) Opiz)
• Betula humilis var. socolowii (Regel)
• Betula humilis var. camtschatica (Regel)
• Betula fruticans (Pall.)
• Betula humilis var. commutata (Regel)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Germany (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by claire myosotis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Aug 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Nathalie Romeuf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2022 by Jean Pierre Maillet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2021 by Christian CLAVÉ (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 26, 2019 by Soria Villalva Sergio (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5331629)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:295106-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Betula humilis Schrank)

Specifications

Growth