About
Betula michauxii is a diminutive birch species found in the bogs, riverbanks, and moist, peaty meadows of Newfoundland and Quebec. Typically reaching a height of approximately 50 cm, it features brown bark and slender branches that support small, rounded leaves with serrated edges, exhibiting a mid-green hue. In spring, it produces tiny male catkins, which are yellow-brown and measure up to 1 cm in length, emitting a sweet, minty scent.
About the genus
Betula comprises both deciduous trees and shrubs, known for their vibrant autumn foliage and distinctive bark that can be white, pink, or brown and peeling. In spring, male and female catkins emerge separately, preceding or coinciding with leaf growth.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- NE Canada
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, moist, acidic to neutral soil in full sun or partial shade but tolerant of a range of soil conditions, especially wet or boggy soils. See tree cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to birch borers, leaf-mining sawflies and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus, a tree rust and powdery mildews