Common Snowberry vs Mountain Alder - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Mountain Alder

Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia

Symphoricarpos albus

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Mountain Alder
Common Snowberry

Mountain Alder is a native cold-hardy shrub or small tree often found along streams and in moist forested habitats. Its nitrogen-fixing ability enriches soils and supports surrounding vegetation, while its extensive root system helps stabilize streambanks and slopes. The fast growth rate allows it to establish quickly on disturbed sites, making it especially valuable in reclamation, restoration, and erosion control projects.

Often forming dense thickets, Mountain Alder enhances habitat quality in riparian and upland areas. It provides food and cover for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Recognized as an important species for soil and water conservation, it is well suited for riparian planting, naturalization, and ecological restoration.

Note: We use Sitka Alder for Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia. This species is also known by many other common names, including Grey Alder, River 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.

Mountain Alder Quick Facts

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 1a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: multi-stemmed, thicket-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: none


Toxicity: berries toxic to humans
Bark: smooth, gray to brown
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Berries: white waxy berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, YT, NT
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NT
Other Names: river alder, speckled alder, thin-leaved alder, thinleaf alder, western river alder
Other Names: common snowberry