Common Snowberry vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Red Alder

Symphoricarpos albus

Alnus rubra

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

CUSTOM GROW

Common Snowberry
Red 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.

Red Alder is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to western North America. Its fixes nitrogen, which enriches soils and supports the growth of surrounding plants. Ideal for sites with poor soil conditions, or areas disturbed by logging, construction or fire.
It provides shade in riparian areas, creating cover for fish. Its seeds and buds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the foliage provides browse for wildlife. The catkins release clouds of pollen attracting bees and other insects.
The Red Alder gets its namesake from the rusty-red color the bark turns when bruised.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 5b
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: none

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Bark: smooth, grey
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: BC
Other Names: common snowberry
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder