Species of the genus Betula are a difficult group taxonomically because of their high vegetative variability and frequent hybridization. Many species have been founded on only slight differences and many of these have subsequently been reduced to synonymy. Many morphologic and cytologic studies have attempted to deal with variation within the genus or its subgroups. Species of Betula form a polyploid series, with chromosome numbers of 2 n = 28, , , , and 112, plus additional numbers in some hybrids.

Common Name: Scrub Birch

General Information

Betula glandulosa is a spreading to ascending, deciduous shrub growing up to 300cm tall, but usually less than 100cm in exposed positions[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a ground cover.
Betula glandulosa is a very common species throughout a very large geographic range. There are no known threats that are or will adversely affect this species in the foreseeable future. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Northern Asia - Siberia, Mongolia, Russian Far East; N. America - Alaska to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, south on mountain ranges to California

Habitat

Streambanks, marsh margins, lakes and bogs, also found on alpine slopes[]. Arctic and alpine tundra, acidic rocky slopes and barrens, muskegs, peat bogs, stream banks, open subalpine summits; at elevations up to 3,400 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Betula glandulosa is native to areas with very cold winters and often does not do well in milder zones. It can be excited into premature growth in mild winters and this new growth is susceptible to frost damage[].
The plant is often found in the wild in very wet conditions such as bogs and marshes[]. Succeeds in a well-drained loamy soil in a sheltered position[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Shade tolerant[].
The branches are covered in aromatic glands, and the leaves are pleasantly fragrant when crushed[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[]. Where their ranges meet, Betula glandulosa intergrades with both Betula pumila Linnaeus and Betula nana exilis (Sukaczev) Hultén, creating a confusing complex of intermediate forms[].
This species is closely related to Betula nana[].
Species in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves and catkins - raw[].

The buds and twigs are used as a flavouring in stews[].

Medicinal

The bark is antirheumatic, astringent, lithontripic, salve and sedative[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is valuable for ground cover[].

Other Uses

An infusion of the plant is used as a hair conditioner and dandruff treatment[].

The plant is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame[, , , ]. Only just cover the seed and place the pot in a sunny position[, , ]. Spring sown seed should be surface sown in a sunny position in a cold frame[, ]. If the germination is poor, raising the temperature by covering the seed with glass can help[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
If you have sufficient seed, it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed, either as soon as it is ripe or in the early spring - do not cover the spring sown seed. Grow the plants on in the seedbed for 2 years before planting them out into their permanent positions in the winter[, , , ].
Layering. The plants often self-layer.