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Submit a photoDwarf Birch
Betula glandulosa
A small shrub birch dominating Alberta's alpine tundra, subalpine heath, and northern bogs. Rarely over 1 m tall with small round leaves scarcely bigger than a fingernail. Spectacular rust-red fall colour carpets mountain slopes in September. Critical browse for caribou, moose, and ptarmigan.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Alpine, Boreal wetlands, Zone 1
Light
Full sun
Bloom Time
May–June (catkins)
Soil
Acidic peat or lean gravelly alpine soil
Water
Moderate; tolerates wet or well-drained
Pet Safe— Generally considered safe around pets.
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Seed from catkins, cold-stratified 60–90 days then surface-sown. Layering of low branches in place — pin to moss, wait a season.
