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Betula michauxii

Newfoundland dwarf birch

Very dwarf birch species, native to bogs, waterside and wet, peaty meadows of Newfoundland and Quebec. It is about 50cm tall, with brown bark, slender branches bearing tiny, rounded, toothed mid-green leaves and has a sweet, minty fragrance; tiny yellow-brown male catkins to 1cm long, in spring

Synonyms
Betula nana var. michauxii
Betula terrae-novae
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Brown Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Betulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Betula can be deciduous trees or shrubs, usually colouring well in autumn and often with striking white, pink, or peeling brown bark; separate male and female catkins open before or with the leaves in spring

Name status

Correct

Plant range
NE Canada

How to grow

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

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to birch borers, leaf-mining sawflies and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus, a tree rust and powdery mildews

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