Shrub Birch • Resin Birch

Glandular Scrub Birch •Bog Birch

Ground Birch • Dwarf Birch

Betula glandulosa Michx.
BET-yoo-luh glan-doo-LOW-suh

Betulaceae (Birch Family)

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Definitions

*Note: Hybridizes with Betula nana and distinguishing the two species is quite difficult. Also hybridizes with tree birches. A low growing deciduous shrub that forms clumps.

*Stem: Up to 8 feet, the twigs are densely resinous and have wart like glands with a waxy gray layer. The bark is reddish brown that becomes gray with age and is smooth, non peeling.

*Leaves: Rounded, nearly circular, but longer than broad, on short hairy petioles, wedged shape at base, fine waxy teeth, shiny and hairless, dark green above, below yellow green and may be finely hairy, thick and leathery, dotted with glands giving rise to the Latin name glandulosa. Turn orange or red in fall.

*Flower: Female catkins green, several. Male catkins are near the base of the twigs.

* Habitat: Moist soil, boggy areas, swamps, borders of lakes and streams, open forest on acidic soil.

*Use: See Birch. Caribou eat the leaves and young twigs. Ptarmigan nip the buds and twigs in winter. The Dena’ina would put branches on the trail behind them to keep bad luck away and while packing meat place the branches on their backs to protect their clothing. Medicinally can be used on cuts. Also used as a yellow dye.