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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Betula (nana)

Alaska Plant Materials Center
Alaska Plant Materials Center
5310 S. Bodenburg Spur Rd.
Palmer, Alaska 99645
907-745-4469
907-746-1568 (fax)
Don.Ross@alaska.gov
http://www.plants.alaska.gov/

Family Scientific Name: Betulaceae
Family Common Name: Birch family
Scientific Name: Betula nana L. exilis (Sukaczev) Hult‚n
Common Name: Arctic Dwarf Birch
Ecotype: Open low mesic shrub birch-ericaceous shrub community near Purinton Creek, Talkeetna Mtns., Alaska
General Distribution: Most of Alaska eastward through YT, NT, and Nunavut to Hudson Bay and dipping into extreme northern BC, AB, SK, and MB.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Time To Grow: 0
Target Specifications: Firm root plug, multiple leaves.
Propagule Collection: Collection made in late summer/early Fall.
Pre-Planting Treatments: No pretreatment necessary if sown in the Fall.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
Seed is sown in the Fall in Spencer-Lemaire rootrainers in facultative soil mix. Seeds have been lightly covered. The trays are stored in a sheltered area where they are exposed to ambient winter temperatures.
Establishment Phase: In Spring, trays are moved to the greenhouse.
Germination exceeded 60% within 5 weeks.
Hardening Phase: Trays are removed from the greenhouse to an outside sheltered area for hardening after young plants have multiple true leaves.
Other Comments: Because of taxonomic confusion within the genus Betula and widespread hybridization, especially with B. nana ssp. exilis and B. glandulosa, this protocol could also apply to B. glandulosa as described in Flora of North America.
References: Flora of North America Editorial Committee, eds. 1993+. Flora of North America North of Mexico. Vol. 3. New York and Oxford.


Hult‚n, Eric. 1968. Flora of Alaska and Neighboring Territories: A Manual of the Vascular Plants. Stanford University Press.


Cody, William J. 2000. Flora of the Yukon Territory, 2nd ed. NRC Research Press, Ottawa.


Viereck, Leslie A. and Little, Elbert L. Jr. 1972. Alaska Trees and Shrubs - Agriculture Handbook #410. USDA Forest Service. Washinton, DC

Citation:

Moore, Nancy; Ross, Donald. 2004. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Betula nana L. plants Alaska Plant Materials Center Palmer, Alaska. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/01). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.