Common Snowberry vs Green Alder - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Green Alder

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

Symphoricarpos albus

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Green Alder
Common Snowberry

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 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 Quick Facts

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 1a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: any
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


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: yes
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)

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