Horse Chestnut vs Green Alder - TreeTime.ca

Horse Chestnut vs Green Alder

Aesculus hippocastanum

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

CUSTOM GROW

Horse Chestnut
Green Alder

Horse Chestnut is a medium sized deciduous tree that is native to Greece but has been grown in North America for hundreds of years. It produces large nuts.

A top CO2 absorbing species. Experts think this tree may help climate change more than others.

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.

Horse Chestnut Quick Facts

Green Alder Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 12 m (39 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: most parts of plant are toxic

Fall colour: yellow to orange
Nuts: large spiky nuts
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


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
Other Names: american green alder