Origin
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel is a species of shrub native to North America, specifically found in Alaska, Canada, and the continental United States.
Common Names
Common names for Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel include diamondleaf birch, glandular dwarf birch, and resin birch.
Uses
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel has a variety of uses. The twigs, leaves, and bark of the plant have been used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes such as treating headaches, fever, and stomach issues. The wood from the plant has also been used to make snowshoes, baskets, and other goods. Additionally, the plant is commonly used in landscaping and as a food source for wildlife.
General Appearance
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel is a deciduous shrub that typically grows between 1 and 3 meters tall. It has diamond-shaped, toothed leaves that are approximately 2 to 5 cm long and 2 to 4 cm wide. The leaves are a light green color with a shiny surface and have tiny, glandular dots on the underside. The plant has a brownish-grey bark with horizontal lines and is often covered in resin. In the spring, the plant produces small, red-brown catkins that develop into winged seeds in the fall.
Light Requirements
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel prefers to grow in areas with full sun to partial shade. This tree species can tolerate shade. However, the growth rate can slow down when grown in shaded conditions.
Soil Requirements
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel thrives best in well-draining soils with moderate moisture levels. It can also tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. This plant species is not suitable for poorly drained soils as it is sensitive to prolonged waterlogged conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -40°F (-40°C) to as high as 90°F (32°C). However, it prefers to grow in areas with cool temperatures of around 60-70°F (16-21°C). When grown in areas with extremely hot conditions, the growth rate can slow down, and the plant may become susceptible to pest and disease attacks.
Cultivation methods
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel, commonly known as the dwarf birch, is a hardy, cold-tolerant plant that can be cultivated in a range of soil types. The best way to cultivate the plant is to plant it in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. You can plant the seedlings or cuttings in the spring or fall in a sunny or partially shaded location.
Watering needs
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel doesn't require a lot of water, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens. However, the plant needs to be watered regularly during the first year after planting to aid in its establishment. During the growing season, the plant should be watered every two weeks if there is insufficient rainfall. Watering should be done early in the morning, so the leaves have time to dry before evening.
Fertilization
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel is a low-fertilizer plant, and too much fertilizer can harm it. Fertilizer use should be kept low to prevent excessive growth. Fertilizer should be applied to the soil once a year, in the spring, before the new growth begins. You can use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, applied according to the instructions on the package. Compost or well-rotted manure can also be used as natural fertilizers.
Pruning
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel doesn't require pruning. However, if you want to control the plant's size or shape, you can prune it during the dormant season when it is not actively growing. You should remove dead or damaged branches or stems regularly. Pruning should only be done as required to prevent excessive pruning, which may cut down on flowering. When pruning, make sure you use sterilized tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel, commonly known as the bog birch, can be propagated through different methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel. Seeds are usually harvested in the fall and stratified for three months at 40°F (4°C) to break the seed dormancy. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining seedling mix and covered lightly with soil. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual containers when they are large enough to handle and grown until they are ready for outdoor planting.
Propagation by Cuttings
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel can also be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the early summer when the new growth is still green and flexible. The cuttings should have two to three nodes and be around four to six inches long. Dip the cuttings in hormone rooting powder and plant them in well-draining potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a humidity dome and keep it in a bright, but not direct, sunlight. The cuttings should root within four to six weeks. Hardwood cuttings are usually taken in the winter when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be around six to eight inches long and have three to four nodes. Treat them with hormone rooting powder, and plant them in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be grown under the same conditions as softwood cuttings and should root within six to ten weeks.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is another method to propagate Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel. The plant can be layered in the spring or early summer. Choose a healthy, low branch and make a small cut on the stem's underside, about six inches from the tip. Apply hormone rooting powder to the cut area and wrap it with a damp sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Secure the wrap with a twist tie. The moss should be kept moist until the roots form, which can take up to six months. Once roots are formed, cut the branch and transplant it into a well-draining potting mix, and grow it until it's established enough for outdoor planting.
Disease Management
Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel is susceptible to several diseases, which are:
- Birch leaf miner: This disease causes the leaves of the plant to become discolored and fall off. To manage this disease, prune the affected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Rust: Rust appears as yellow or orange spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, prune the affected areas and apply a fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose causes the leaves of the plant to turn brown and wilt. To manage this disease, prune the affected areas and apply a fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Phytophthora root rot: Phytophthora root rot causes the roots of the plant to rot, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant and improve soil drainage. Applying a fungicide can also help to manage the disease.
Pest Management
The common pests that affect Betula pumila L. var. glandulifera Regel include:
- Birch leaf miner: This pest feeds on the leaves of the plant, leading to discoloration and defoliation. To manage this pest, prune the affected areas and destroy them. Applying an insecticide can also help to manage the pest.
- Spider mites: Spider mites feed on the plant sap, leading to yellowed leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage this pest, spray the plant with water to remove the mites and apply an insecticide.
- Birch skeletonizer: This pest feeds on the leaves of the plant, leading to holes in the leaves. To manage this pest, prune the affected areas and destroy them. Applying an insecticide can also help to manage the pest.
- Birch leafroller: Birch leafrollers feed on the leaves of the plant, rolling them up and causing them to turn brown. To manage this pest, prune the affected areas and destroy them. Applying an insecticide can also help to manage the pest.
