Grey Alder vs Green Alder - TreeTime.ca

Grey Alder vs Green Alder

Alnus incana

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Grey Alder
Green Alder

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.

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.

Grey Alder Quick Facts

Green Alder Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 1a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Fall colour: yellow to orange
Fruit: small catkins
Cones: small brown cones
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Native to: AB, SK, MB, ON, NS, NB, NL, YT
Other Names: hoary alder, river alder, speckled alder
Other Names: american green alder