Dwarf birch
Dwarf birch, dwarf birch or dwarf birch (Betula nana)- a species of plants of the genus Birch (Betula) of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
In Russian, the names ernik, ernik, birch ernik, slate, birch slate, ernik-slate, karla, era are also found.
Deciduous, highly branched shrub 20-70 (up to 120) cm high, with erect or spreading shoots. Young shoots are densely velvety or fluffy, later almost naked, with dark brown or reddish-dark brown bark.
Dwarf birch
The leaves are round, small, almost round, with an uneven serrated edge, dark green, shiny, dark yellow in autumn.
Requirements: Sun/partial shade.
Soils: Prefers acidic peaty and moist soil.
Frost resistance: Frost-resistant.
Decorative: It has a decorative crown shape.
Dwarf birch
Landing. There are several ways:
1. First, prepare the soil - loosen it and water it generously. Then sow the seeds and, without covering them with soil, cover the top with film. There is no need to soak the seeds before sowing.
Birch seeds germinate in a few days. Their growth rate depends on sunlight, humidity levels, and temperature. As soon as they germinate, the film must be removed. Growing seedlings really need good lighting and abundant watering. But from excessive activity sun rays Birch trees need to be protected. Do not forget to carefully weed the ground to remove weeds. Birch seeds germinate in the light, but die very easily when the soil dries out.
2. The seeds are placed on the ground and lightly sprinkled;
Water the planting site;
Cover the area with the seed with thin brushwood or straw;
Water regularly - directly through the shelter;
After the sprouts appear, the cover is carefully removed.
Since young birch trees love shade, after removing the flooring, the shoots must be protected from direct sunlight with board shields or any other method. At the same time, the fence should not be airtight - the movement of air through it should be free. Birch seeds germinate in the light, but die very easily when the soil dries out.
3. Organize a small greenhouse. In early spring, the seeds are planted in the ground, and a shelter is organized around them. Can be used plastic film, stretched over wooden frame or any other similar design. The main thing is that its height allows young shoots to grow freely, until the greenhouse can be removed. This moment comes when it gets warm enough and the risk of night frosts disappears. Birch seeds germinate in the light, but die very easily when the soil dries out.
4. Experience of Leskhozes:
Birch branches are laid loosely on the beds in the fall. The seeds themselves are sown either in the fall or in the spring, scattered on these branches. Branches are saved required humidity and let in enough light for the seeds to germinate.
Decorating garden plots has become increasingly popular lately. In order to decorate the territory, plot owners purchase various exotic plants. Ornamental plant The dwarf birch, native to the tundra, perfectly decorates the garden and complements the landscape of any complexity. The birch tree is miniature but attractive and can tolerate low air temperatures.
Description of the plant
Dwarf birch is a shrub with a height of 20 to 70 centimeters. The leaves of the plant have serrated edges and can reach 15 centimeters in length. In autumn, the green color changes to bright red, which perfectly decorates nature. The plant bears fruit from May to June with small nuts with a very small diameter.
The tree resembles a creeping shrub that clings to the soil with its roots. Thus, one bush can occupy a significant area.
The wild birch bush grows in the mountainous tundra at an altitude of more than 500 meters. The plant does not resemble a birch tree neither in appearance, nor in height, nor in the color of its bark. The miniature tree got its name from the word “yora”, which means “bush”. The thickets that the birch forms are impenetrable. Often they are intertwined with dwarf willow, which makes the path through their growth almost impossible.
It is correct to consider a dwarf birch as a shrub. Betula nаna grows no higher than 80 cm. The bush is covered with snow in winter, which protects it from blizzards and severe frosts. The leaves have a serrated edge. The foliage itself is smooth on top and shiny in color. The bottom of the leaf is matte, with a small fluff. In May, the plant blooms and produces earrings that look a little like the earrings of Russian birch . autumn plant incredibly beautiful, as it turns bright red or bright Orange color, thereby decorating the fields and mountains.
Yornik tolerates northern climate well . Meet wild option Can:
Growing conditions
The low-growing bush loves sunny place , despite the ability to grow at low temperatures. The maximum that a tree can withstand is partial shade. The best place for planting - this is the one in which melt water collects in the spring. At the same time, birch can tolerate short-term droughts.
When planting in the ground, it is important to use drainage. The soil should conduct moisture well, and the substrate should be acidic or semi-acidic. The crop can be planted using seeds. They can be planted immediately after collection, or in autumn period. The seeds are frost-resistant. The most the best seeds for planting are those that were collected in the year of planting. Every year, seed germination may deteriorate.
You can also plant a tree as a seedling. When purchasing, it is important to check that the roots are not damaged or overdried. A few days before planting, mineral fertilizers, humus and humus should be mixed into a hole 1-1.5 meters deep. When planting, the lump that is present on the roots is not removed.
The drainage that must be present in the ground should be represented by pebbles, crushed stone or expanded clay. After planting, the seedling should be watered with water and, if desired, mulched.
Rules for caring for birch
To prevent the tree from getting sick and drying out, the soil should be constantly moistened. If the birch tree is planted in a place where water accumulates, then it is important to carry out regular watering only in summer time. You can feed the crop not only with humus, but also mineral fertilizers. It is best to apply it to the soil in spring nitrogen fertilizers, and in the fall nitroammophoska. The plant needs soil nutrition every year.
Pruning of branches begins in the second year of the crop's life. Dry and diseased branches should be removed in early spring. You can form a crown not only in spring, but also at the end of August.
Caterpillars, cockchafers, armyworms and aphids can infect dwarf birch. The plant should be treated with appropriate medications or it is best to take preventive measures.
Garden addition and design
Yora is used in decoration land plot. Use it when creating:
- alpine slides,
- exotic landscapes;
- miniature mountain elephants;
The birch tree will complement the area decorated in Japanese style, and the tree should be planted near bodies of water. You can supplement the birch with bergenia, gentians, ferns, and moss.
This crop makes an excellent hedge that will gradually grow and weave. The bushes can be trimmed, so you can decorate them culturally. If you plant a shrub in a pot, you can get a bansai.
The dwarf birch is a decoration for any home garden. Growing shrubs does not require special knowledge or expense, and your imagination will help you design the landscape in a stylish and modern way.
Among the countless varieties and hybrids of sweet peppers, there are those, such as the Ramiro pepper, whose popularity is literally worldwide. And if most vegetables on supermarket shelves are nameless, and it is almost impossible to find out about their variety, then the name of this pepper “Ramiro” will certainly be on the packaging. And, as my experience has shown, this pepper is worth letting other gardeners know about it. In connection with which this article was written.
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Dwarf birch, slate, birch, birch birch, yora - this is the name of the low-growing birch from the Birch family (Betulaceae). Dwarf birch grows in the northern regions of Europe, in Canada, in the north of Russia - in Yakutia, Western Siberia, Kamchatka and Chukotka. In addition, the plant can be found in the mountains of Scotland and the Alps at altitudes from 300 to 2200 meters above sea level.
General data and description
In the alpine belt, in sphang and moss swamps, and in the Arctic tundra, dwarf birch trees grow in continuous thickets, which are called birch trees. From the Nenets language the word “era” is translated as “shrub”.
Low-growing birch is a deciduous, branched shrub with a height of 20 to 70 centimeters. Some specimens grow up to 120 cm. Young branches are fluffy and velvety, over time they become bare, the color of their bark is brown, brown, red-brown.
The leaves are round or oval, 5-15 mm long, 10-20 mm wide, with jagged edges, arranged alternately, growing on short petioles 4-5 mm long. The upper side of the leaf is dark green, shiny, the lower side is light green, fluffy. In autumn, the leaves turn bright red, so the thickets of the plant look very beautiful. Young leaves are sticky, but this feature is lost with age.
Staminate catkins of dwarf birch are sessile, straight, 5-15 mm long, about 2 mm in diameter, with yellow pollen. Pistillate catkins are supported on pubescent stalks, oblong, elongated-ovate, 5-8 mm long, 3-5 mm in diameter, light brown in color. The fruit is formed in the form of nuts 2 mm long and 1 mm wide, with wings on the sides. Dwarf birch blooms before the leaves bloom and bears fruit from May to June.
In the tundra, dwarf birches grow and survive thanks to special tactics. Their branches grow low above the ground, in constant readiness to lie under a layer of snow, which will protect them from freezing. As a result, not the usual tree with white bark is formed, but a creeping shrub with dark bark and twisting, slowly growing shoots. During the process of growth and development, additional roots appear on the shoots, which grow tightly into the soil and moss, so often only birch leaves and catkins can be seen on the surface.
This tactic allows the birch tree to occupy enough large areas, and move deep into the tundra over considerable distances.
In the North, dwarf birch trees do not reproduce by seeds; here they do not always have time to ripen to the required condition. Birch trees reproduce vegetatively - this method is more reliable and effective.
Residents of the North use birch leaves and buds to treat diseases genitourinary system. Decoctions and infusions from them help with male infertility, increase potency, remove salts and stones from Bladder and kidneys. Dwarf birch sap gives positive results in the treatment of rheumatism, gout and arthritis.
In addition, dwarf birch trees serve as food for deer and other domestic animals, and they are also used as fuel.
Variety of varieties
Modern breeders have developed several varieties of dwarf birch suitable for growing in small summer cottages or garden plots. If an ordinary white-trunked birch can grow up to 30 meters or more in height, fill all the space, pump out all the moisture from the soil, and thus crowd out other plants, then dwarf birches behave more modestly.
They do not grow higher than 1-3-5 meters, and varieties bred on the basis of northern dwarf birch are even smaller. They do not create much shade, and consume moisture to the extent of their size and capabilities. At the same time, they decorate the site no worse, and sometimes even better, than ordinary tall trees.
One such variety is Young's weeping birch (Youngii). Its maximum height is 5 meters, which it reaches within ten years, the crown width is only 2-3 meters. The branches hang beautifully to the ground, like willow or Sophora japonica. Thanks to these features, the plant looks decorative all year round- both in spring with small leaves and catkins, and in summer and winter, covered with frost and snow.
Yung's Birch
Young specimens have brown bark; with age it becomes white, with black cracks typical of birch.
The Golden Treasure variety is a miniature birch tree up to 80 centimeters high and a crown diameter of about one and a half meters.
Birch Golden Treasure is perfect for creating hedges, landscaping rocky gardens, rock gardens, and flower arrangements.
The shoots of this birch are dark brown and the crown is dense. The tree tolerates pruning well; it is easy to give its lush crown the required form. The leaves are round, from 5 to 15 mm long, bright yellow in color. In autumn they turn purple-red or fiery red.
The variety is characterized by increased frost resistance and the ability to grow in flooded areas, but at the same time easily tolerates short-term drought.
In 2014, at the “Green is Life” exhibition in Poland, the variety received a silver medal for decorativeness.
Use and agricultural technology
Decorative dwarf birch trees can be used to create Japanese stone gardens, alpine slides, landscaping areas near low buildings, gazebos and artificial ponds.
It is better to plant plants in well-lit places, or in partial shade. Under natural conditions, dwarf birch trees can grow in swamps, so in a summer cottage or garden they can be planted on a flooded, low-lying area with stagnant melt or rainwater. The plant pumps out and evaporates moisture well, and this ability can be used to your advantage.
The roots of the dwarf birch do not lie deep, this must be taken into account when weeding and loosening the soil. To summer root system did not suffer from high temperature, and the moisture did not evaporate too quickly, the root zone is covered with sawdust, pine needles, tree bark, peat, moss.
These measures are especially necessary if birch trees grow in a dry place. The first time after planting, water the dwarf birch in the garden abundantly and often, and then as the soil dries out.
Before planting seedlings, the soil is dug up, humus, peat and sand are added; the holes are not made deep, since the roots of the plant do not grow in depth, but in breadth under a small layer of soil.
The first year after planting, the plant does not need to be fertilized, but starting in spring next year fertilizing is carried out every month, until autumn. In summer, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are used - ammonium nitrate and mullein. In the fall - Kemira-universal composition or nitroammofoska.
There is no need to cover a low-growing birch tree for the winter; it will successfully overwinter in any frost, especially if its roots are covered with a layer of snow.
Reproduction
In conditions middle zone In Russia, dwarf birch trees can be propagated by seeds - here they will have time to ripen. Seeds can be sown in open ground immediately after they ripen, or in the fall, without fear that they will die from frost.
Another way to propagate dwarf birch is by cuttings. The cuttings are placed in clean water, and after the roots appear, they are planted in a permanent place.
Reproduction by layering is a method established by nature itself. In the tundra, dwarf birch trees spread in this way, clinging with their roots on the branches to every piece of land suitable for nutrition and growth.
Pests
Insect pests, such as mole crickets, aphids, thrips, beetles, leaf sawflies, and borers, also attack dwarf birch trees growing in the garden. To protect the plant, spray it chemicals, or folk remedies - infusions of tobacco dust, garlic, hot pepper.
“White birch, I love you, give me your thin branch.” These words from an old song express the tender feelings that people show towards a wonderful tree. The famous Russian poet Sergei Yesenin expressed his admiration for nature by describing a white birch tree under a blanket of snow. And such artists as Shishkin, Levitan and Kuindzhi captured it in their paintings.
Although birch is found throughout the Northern Hemisphere from Alaska to cold Siberia, it is only in Russia that it has gained such popularity. Being an unchanging symbol of a powerful country, the tree has always been associated with kindness and love.
The tree got its name in honor of the ancient Slavic goddess of good beginnings. Therefore, it is not surprising that our ancestors called it a tree of 4 things: for cleansing, healing, tenderness and lubrication. So, with the help of a birch broom, cleanliness was maintained. An infusion of kidneys was taken for treatment. The wheels of the cart were lubricated with tar. And the beauty of the tree was admired during summer evenings.
A birch beam reliably illuminated the huts of poor peasants when they returned home from the field. And ancient records on scrolls from white wood are still stored today.
Interestingly, the famous Faberge made a luxurious egg from birch wood in 1917.
In addition, this magnificent tree is minted on one of the commemorative coins of Russia. Truly, the birch is a symbol of a great country.
General characteristics of the famous tree
Despite the fact that birch is familiar to many people, it would not hurt to take a closer look at it. It is a deciduous tree with smooth white bark, on the surface of which dark streaks are visible. In old trees, the root part of the trunk becomes covered with a gray crust, on which deep cracks appear. Its height can reach over 30 meters. The crown is spreading. Despite this, there is always a lot of light in the birch grove, which causes considerable delight.
How many years does a birch tree live? Some species are up to 400 years old. Basically, the plant lives about 200 years. In any case, longer than a person.
The branches of a young tree are colored brown or red, which over time acquire a bluish tint. Small warts resembling miniature beads are evenly distributed on them.
The leaves are shaped like diamonds or triangles. They are usually pointed at the tips and jagged. The leaf blade is slightly leathery and sticky in spring. Color – bright green. 
Birch color appears on the tree in April or May. The inflorescences are different kinds of earrings. Male variants appear in summer and are colored, first in green color, and then into brown. Each earring is covered with a special waterproof substance to protect against frost. It is in this shell that they spend the winter.
With the arrival of spring, the male catkin enlarges and yellow stamens protrude. During the flowering period, they release huge amounts of pollen.
Female catkins of common birch appear on the sides of branches. They are much shorter than their partners, but after pollination they remain on the tree. Men's earrings fall to the ground.
In August, the birch tree already has fruits that ripen until mid-winter. They are a miniature nut with transparent wings. At favorable conditions, germinate immediately.
Particularly striking is the complex root system of birch, which constantly needs moisture.
It consists of 3 types of roots:
- main root;
- side elements;
- adventitious roots.
During the development of birch, the main root dies and growth slows down slightly. After this, the lateral elements of the root system begin to actively grow in different sides. The adventitious roots are located almost on the surface of the soil and have no branches.
Usually there are few other trees near the birch. The main reason is that the powerful root system pulls almost all useful substances from the soil. When growing birch in a summer cottage, you should consider this feature tree.
Since the birch roots are not very deep, young seedlings may be damaged in strong winds.
At first, the seedlings grow at a slow pace, since the main root is in no hurry to give up its position. As soon as it dies, the lateral roots begin to actively develop and the birch tree takes root.
In addition, birch is unpretentious in terms of soil. It takes root wonderfully on sandy and loamy soils, black soils and even depleted lands. It is found along the coasts of rivers and even seas. Dwarf species grow on rocky soil and in the tundra, where there is permafrost.
Due to its unpretentiousness, birch takes root well in a summer cottage. It can be planted in autumn or early spring.
You should not choose large, middle-aged trees for planting. They extremely rarely take root in a new area. The optimal age of the seedling for spring planting- 3 years. In winter, you can plant a birch tree that is seven years old. Seeds are planted regardless of the time of year.
The lifespan of a birch tree depends on the species and local conditions. Basically it is more than 100 years.
The most famous types of birch trees
Exploring this tree, scientists have concluded that there are about 100 species of birch trees found in nature. In general, they were divided into 4 groups:
- Albae. The group includes birches with White color bark.
- Costata. The trees have a ribbed trunk and leaves with a rough surface.
- Acuminatae. Birches of this group grow in warmer latitudes and are distinguished by large leaves.
- Nanae. All dwarf varieties with small leaves belong to this group.
Let's look at the most popular types of birch trees that are found in Russia.
Birch warty
This type of birch grows up to 20 m in height. It has thin hanging branches and a smooth trunk with whitish bark. In older specimens, the lower part of the trunk acquires a dark gray bark color. Deep cracks also appear on it.
The branches of such a birch are reddish or brown in color. You can see small resinous warts on them. Hence the name of the tree species. In addition, because the branches stretch down, it is called silver birch. The crown is most often wide, but in adulthood it is slightly thinned out with branches hanging down.
The leaves are usually diamond or triangle shaped. They have a wedge-shaped base and smooth surface. The edges of the leaves are jagged, the tip is pointed. They have a delicate aroma, especially in spring when the tree blooms.
During this period, bare and sticky buds appear on it. At the base they are slightly widened, and at the top with a sharp tip.
Birch catkins grow on twining branches. After pollination, fruits grow in their place in the form of an oblong nut with wings. They ripen in late summer or September.
Where the warty birch always grows fresh air and unearthly beauty. The tree is found in mixed forests or pure birch stands.
Wood is considered one of the best natural materials for making furniture and various crafts. Greens are used in medicine. And birch sap is a unique healthy drink.
Fluffy birch
The most common species that is found throughout Russia is downy birch. It grows both in the European part of the country and in the Siberian tundra.
IN natural environment the tree feels great among other deciduous or coniferous relatives. IN ideal creates birch groves where there are no other trees. The tree is resistant to cold and tolerates fairly low temperatures.
In the photo of a downy birch you can see a gorgeous spreading crown, which gives the tree a majestic appearance. It grows up to 30 meters in height. The girth of the trunk reaches approximately 80 cm. The bark on it is always white without deep cracks. It feels smooth to the touch. Although young seedlings have a brown or red trunk, at the 10th year of life it turns white and does not change anymore.
Unlike silver birch, the branches of this species do not have small warts and do not droop. The crown of young seedlings is narrow and slender. In adults it has a spreading shape.
Male catkins are brown in color and appear on branches in summer or autumn. There they winter safely, and in the spring they meet with female catkins, which grow at the same time as the young leaves.
They bloom in April or early May, after which fruits appear in the form of oblong nuts. Each of them has 2 transparent wings, which allows them to fly far from the tree.
The leaves of the downy birch are alternate, up to 7 cm long. The shape is ovoid or rhombic with a pointed tip. In young trees they are light green. They darken with age and turn yellow in autumn.
Birch Schmidt
Once a famous Russian scientist drew attention to special properties cute tree. This happened during a special expedition to the Far East. He was the first to describe it unusual tree. It was named Schmidt birch, in honor of the famous scientist.
In its natural environment, except for the Far East, the tree is found in Japanese islands, in Korea and China. Most often it grows on rocky soil, near rocks. It is adjacent to different deciduous trees in mixed forests. Interestingly, during fires, she remains unharmed. Its unique wood does not burn, which is why it received the name iron birch.
The tree loves a lot of light, so in forests its trunk may be curved, due to its desire for the sun.
This unique oriental tree is grown in many botanical gardens in Moscow and other Russian cities. Therefore, purchasing young seedlings and planting them in the country is quite possible.
Externally, the tree does not look too much like a birch. Its few branches grow at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the trunk. The birch tree grows up to 30 meters in height. The bark of young seedlings is gray or brown, the branches are brown. As a birch tree gets older, the branches darken and it takes on a black appearance.
The leaf blade of the tree is oval in shape with a jagged frame. The iron beauty blooms in May, after which egg-shaped nuts appear. When they are ripe, they are blown by the winds in different directions. Getting into suitable soil, the seeds germinate, turning into beautiful trees.
Dwarf birch
This miniature northern beauty is found in the cold expanses of the Northern Hemisphere. It also grows in the alpine mountains, tundra and moss swamps.
Dwarf birch is a branched bush that grows up to 70 cm. Its branches have a fluffy or velvety surface. The color of the bark is brown or brown.
Leaves are oval shaped. The edges are jagged. The top plate of the sheet is painted in dark green color and a little shiny. The lower part is light, slightly fluffy. When autumn comes, they turn bright red, which looks very chic.
The tree blooms before the leaves bloom and bears fruit for 2 months - May and June.
Modern biologists have bred several species of northern beauty that take root well on summer cottages. They modestly grow no higher than 5 meters, and some of them are even smaller.
One of decorative varieties bonsai is the weeping birch "Junga". It grows in 10 years to only 5 m in height. Diameter miniature crown from 2 to 3 m. The branches hang down in an original way, reminiscent of willow or. It is this feature of the weeping birch that attracts connoisseurs of green beauty.
To maintain this form, you need to do decorative pruning birch trees This is especially true for branches that touch the ground. The procedure is performed during the period when the tree is “sleeping”. As a result, a living umbrella from the scorching sun will appear on the plot.
Erman birch or stone
The tree received its name in memory of the German scientist Georg Ermann. Erman's birch can live up to 400 years old, so it is a long-liver.
Grows up to 15 meters. The trunk diameter reaches 90 cm, which is considered unusual phenomenon. Stone birch bark is brown or dark gray. As it grows, it becomes covered with cracks, forming intricate strokes on the trunk.
The translucent crown consists of erect branches cascading along the trunk. This is clearly visible in the photo of this type of birch.
The tree does not require special care. Grows on rocky, infertile soils. Tolerates lack of moisture very well. Grows in the Russian Far East, Japan, China and Korea.
Cherry birch
Quite often this type of birch is called sweet or viscous. It grows up to 25 meters in height. Young trees have a pyramid-shaped crown. Older birches have a rounded translucent crown consisting of hanging branches. The trunk of the cherry birch is rough, dark brown in color with deep cracks. In young seedlings it has a fragrant, spicy smell.
The tree is long-lived. It grows well on rocky soils, but does not tolerate harsh winters. The cherry birch was first recorded in North America. Currently, it is taking root well in the Baltic states, Belarus and Russia.
River or black birch
This species is the most heat-loving among birches. It reaches a height of 30 meters. The trunk width is 100 cm. The openwork crown consists of flowing branches decorated with oval leaves. They are dark green above and white or grayish below.
The bark can be smooth or rough. Color – gray or brown. Some specimens have creamy pink bark that peels off like paper. River or black birch is found in the United States and is considered a heat-loving tree.
Karelian birch
This variety of birch comes in the form tall tree or bush. The trees grow from 5 to 8 m in height. The bushes are usually low-growing. On the trunk of the Karelian birch you can see numerous tubercles and irregularities that resemble a marble pattern. Truly a charming tree!
Having examined the most popular types of birch trees, you can see that each of them has its own charms. Tall and short, slender and weeping, “stone” and “iron” - they all give people a lot positive emotions. Being a symbol of kindness and love, birch trees continue to inspire romantic natures to write beautiful works.
Its branches are invariably used in Russian baths to completely cleanse the body. And tar soap is considered first-class natural remedy hygiene. In addition, birch is a decoration summer cottages, filling it with greenery and shadow. And perhaps, reflecting on the meaning of life under it, you will want to write a poem or a picture.
Video types and varieties of birch trees
