A shrub procumbent at high elevations, rarely more than 4 ft high anywhere; young shoots not downy, but covered with glands. Leaves obovate to roundish- or kidney-shaped, usually 1⁄3 to 3⁄4 in. (sometimes over 1 in.) long, green and glabrous both sides, conspicuously round-toothed; stalks up to 1⁄4 in. long. Fruiting catkins erect, 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 in. long.
Native of N. America, where it reaches across the continent at high latitudes and high altitudes; also of Greenland. It is closely allied to, and can only be confused with, B. nana (q.v.), but is abundantly distinct in its glandular-warted branchlets and longer-stalked leaves. It occupies similar moist positions in nature, and may be planted in similar positions in gardens.
B. glandulifera (Reg.) Butler B. pumila var. glandulifera Reg. – This closely allied species is distinguishable by its hairy, sparingly glandular branchlets. Native mainly of Canada.