Common Snowberry vs Green Alder - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Green Alder

Symphoricarpos albus

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

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Common Snowberry
Green 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.

Green Alder is a native, cold-hardy shrub found in boreal forests, along slopes, and in open upland habitats. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility and helping other plants grow, while its roots help stabilize slopes and disturbed ground. Fast to establish on poor soils, it is widely used in reclamation, restoration, and erosion control projects.

With its smooth grey bark and shiny green leaves, Green Alder often forms dense thickets that provide cover for birds and small mammals. Its seeds, buds, and catkins also supply food for wildlife. Green Alder is well suited for naturalization and ecological restoration.

Note: We use Green Alder for Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa. This species is also known by many other common names, including Mountain Alder, Sitka Alder, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Green Alder Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $6.99 - SAVE UP TO 46%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: high

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Berries: white waxy berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NT
Native to: AB, SK, MB, ON, NS, NB, NL, YT
Other Names: common snowberry
Other Names: american green alder