Dwarf Birch
Scientific name: Betula nana L.
Diagnostic features
Shrub to 1m, with procumbent to ascending stems.
Twigs stiff, pubescent.
Leaves ± orbicular, ± rounded at both ends, deeply and regularly crenate, glabrous at maturity.
Each wing of fruit much narrower than body and not extending beyond it.
Chromosome number: 2n=28.
Habitat
Native; upland moors andbogs on peat.
Distribution
Northwest Yorks, South Northumb and Central & North mainland Scotland, formerly Lanarks.
This species is keyed out on Page 1707: Betula in the Text Key.
Hybrid
- Betula x intermedia Thomas ex Gaudin (= Betula pubescens x Betula nana) occurs within the range of Betula nana in Scotland. It varies considerably between the parents, especially in leaf characters, but seems only slightly fertile, though introgression might occur. |
