Common Snowberry vs Grey Alder - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Grey Alder

Symphoricarpos albus

Alnus incana

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Common Snowberry
Grey Alder

Common Snowberry is a small deciduous shrub with characteristic white to pink flowers and clusters of white fruit.

This North American native species is very adaptable, and can be used for erosion control in riparian and restoration areas. Snowberry's fruit attracts wildlife, and livestock can consume the berries without issue.

River Alder is a large shrub or small tree with a multi-stemmed, spreading habit. It is an excellent tree to plant if you want to stabilize the soil near rivers and creeks.

Unlike the other alder varieties, River Alder is attractive enough to be included in riverside plantings by municipal and provincial park organizations.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Grey Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: none

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Fall colour: yellow to orange
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Fruit: small catkins
Berries: white waxy berries
Cones: small brown cones
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Other Names: common snowberry