Glandular Birch

Betula glandulosa

Pollinator Value

🔑 Keystone: Betula is a keystone genus supporting 403 lepidoptera species in eastern North America. As caterpillar host plants, birches sustain a vast web of moth and butterfly larvae including Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), Green Comma (Polygonia faunus), and Red-spotted Admiral (Limenitis arthemis). The genus ranks among the top woody plant genera for supporting native insect biodiversity.
S13
❄️ Winter Food Source: Buds, catkins, and twigs provide critical winter forage for White-tailed Ptarmigan (96% diet occurrence, ~50% by weight) and Willow Ptarmigan (~10% by weight). Leaves, bark, and buds are also important food sources for moose, beaver, and grouse in northern habitats.
S57 ptarmigan diet data; S61 northern mammal browse

Proximity Score: 0
Native Status: ✅ Outaouais ❌ Ottawa ✅ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: Local
CEC Eco-Regions: 5 – Northern Forests, 5.2 – Mixed Wood Shield, 5.2.3 – Algonquin/Southern Laurentians
Rarity Notes: Globally secure (G5) with national ranks of N5 in both Canada and the United States. Apparently Secure (S4) in Ontario and Secure (S5) in Quebec. Not listed under SARA or COSEWIC. In New England, the species is much rarer: endangered (S1) in Maine and threatened (S2) in New Hampshire, confined to alpine plateaus and ravines.
S22 ranks; S26 SARA not listed; S61 NE conservation status
Rarity Ranks: QC S5 – Secure, ON S4 – Apparently Secure
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: A low, spreading dwarf birch characteristic of boreal bogs, muskegs, peat fens, and alpine/subalpine tundra. In the east, it reaches its southern limit on subalpine slopes of high Adirondack peaks. Typically found on acidic rocky slopes, stream banks, and open summits where it forms low sprawling thickets. An ectomycorrhizal species associated with boreal peatland communities.
S6 habitat; S12 Laurentian boreal; S59 EM mycorrhiza

Roles: Fortress/Barrier, Nutrient Accumulator, Wildlife Habitat
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: thorns? (supporting signal only)] | Nutrient Accumulator: S72 Hemenway (tables: 6-2, 7-2, pp. 96, 116)] | Wildlife Habitat: S72 Hemenway (tables: 6-2, 7-2, pp. 96, 116)]
Notes: Functions as a dynamic nutrient accumulator (P, K, Ca) and wildlife habitat plant in guild designs. Its low, spreading growth habit makes it suitable as ground cover in wet or boggy areas. Its ectomycorrhizal associations may benefit neighbouring plants through fungal networks.
S72 nutrient roles; S29 ground cover; S59 EM mycorrhiza

Category: Antirheumatic, Antiseborrheic, Astringent, Lithontripic, Salve, Sedative
S29 PFAF medicinal categories
Notes: The bark is used in traditional medicine as an antirheumatic, astringent, lithontripic (kidney stone treatment), and sedative. An infusion of the plant is also used as a hair conditioner and dandruff treatment (antiseborrheic). Medicinal rating is 1 out of 5, indicating limited or minor traditional use.
S29 bark uses and hair treatment

✅ Edible

Foraging Notes: Young leaves and catkins can be eaten raw. Buds and twigs are used as a flavouring in stews. Edibility is rated 2 out of 5 by PFAF, indicating minor or survival food value rather than common culinary use.
S29 edible parts and uses