Common Snowberry vs Mountain Alder - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Mountain Alder

Symphoricarpos albus

Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia

CUSTOM GROW

Common Snowberry
Mountain 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.

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 Quick Facts

Mountain Alder Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $4.99 - SAVE UP TO 46%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: multi-stemmed, thicket-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: none

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

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


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