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Swamp Birch Betula pumila L. |
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Family: Birch Family (Betulaceae)
State Protection: Threatened 
listed species are those with: 1) 6 to fewer than 20 extant sites, or 2) 1,000 to fewer than 3,000 individuals, or 3) restricted to not less than 4 or more than 7 U.S.G.S. 7 ? minute topographical maps, or 4) listed as threatened by U.S. Department of the Interior. Federal Protection: Not Listed State Rarity Rank: S2
A State Rarity Rank of S2 means: This plant is threatened/imperiled in New York because of rarity (typically 6-20 populations or few remaining individuals) or is vulnerable to extirpation from New York due to biological factors. Global Rarity Rank: G5
A Global Rarity Rank of G5 means: This species is demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Did you know? Swamp birch is the only shrubby birch in New York, hence its species name meaning small or dwarf. Its bark does not shred or peel. Native Americans would inhale the smoke from burning catkins to improve respiration. |
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| State Ranking Justification | [-] |
As of 2004, there are at least nine known populations, including six excellent quality populations with hundreds of plants in high-quality to pristine habitat settings. This shrub is near its southern limit in New York, but in the appropriate habitat (bogs and shrub fens) it can do quite well. These sites are often well-protected, both ecologically and legally.
| Short-term Trends | [-] |
While overall habitat for this plant is limited, where found the populations have been stable for a number of years. There is no reason to suspect any changes in populations in the next 10-20 years.
| Long-term Trends | [-] |
This shrub has always had relative few populations in New York. These populations often have many stems that are long-lived. The long-term trend has remained stable and should continue to remain stable long into the future.
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Home | Advanced Search | About Us Animal Guides | Plant Guides | Community Guides © 2004-2012 New York Natural Heritage Program, a partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Please cite this page as:
New York Natural Heritage Program. 2013. Online Conservation Guide for Betula pumila. Available from: http://acris.nynhp.org/guide.php?id=8872. Accessed May 25th, 2013. 
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