Grey Alder vs Sandbar Willow - TreeTime.ca

Grey Alder vs Sandbar Willow

Salix exigua

Alnus incana

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Sandbar Willow
Grey Alder

Sandbar Willow is a deciduous species native to much of North America. This mid-sized, fast-growing shrub can be found in very wet areas, making it an ideal plan to use in a wet area with erosion risk.

Sandbar Willow has long, narrow green leaves, and its grassy narrow stems give it an attractive, bamboo-like appearance.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

River Alder is a large shrub or small tree with a multi-stemmed, spreading habit. It is an excellent tree to plant if you want to stabilize the soil near rivers and creeks.

Unlike the other alder varieties, River Alder is attractive enough to be included in riverside plantings by municipal and provincial park organizations.

Note: We use Grey Alder for Alnus incana. This species is also known by many other common names, including River Alder, Speckled Alder, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

Sandbar Willow Quick Facts

Grey Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none


Fall colour: yellow to orange
Fruit: small catkins
Cones: small brown cones
Seeds: located within the capsules on the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: hoary alder, river alder, speckled alder