Red Currant vs Mountain Alder - TreeTime.ca

Red Currant vs Mountain Alder

Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia

Ribes rubrum

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Mountain Alder
Red Currant

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.

Red Currant is a deciduous shrub native to western Europe. It features five-lobed, maple-like leaves, and bright red berries that can be used in jams, sauces, and fresh eating.

Although this shrub is self-fertile, it will be more productive if another pollinator is present. For year over year high yields, ensure you fertilize (bone meal), prune, and mulch your Red Currant shrub.

Mountain Alder Quick Facts

Red Currant Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: multi-stemmed, thicket-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Bark: smooth, gray to brown
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, YT, NT
Other Names: river alder, speckled alder, thin-leaved alder, thinleaf alder, western river alder