Common Snowberry vs Green Alder - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Green Alder

Symphoricarpos albus

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

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 cold hardy, native shrub. It is often planted on infertile sites so it can fix nitrogen from the air and improve the soil quality.

Green Alder is known for its smooth grey bark and attractive shiny green leaves; it is commonly used in reclamation.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Green Alder Quick Facts

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)
Other Names: common snowberry
Other Names: mountain alder, sitka alder