Grey Alder vs Staghorn Sumac - TreeTime.ca

Grey Alder vs Staghorn Sumac

Rhus typhina

Alnus incana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Staghorn Sumac
Grey Alder

Staghorn Sumac is a popular ornamental shrub with red velvet like antlers that produce seeds that provide nice winter interest for landscapers and gardeners.

This low-maintenance plant is a great addition to any garden it is also used in shelterbelts.

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.

Staghorn Sumac Quick Facts

Grey Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 1a
Height: 3 m (10 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: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: none


Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: small, green-yellow
Fruit: small, red
Fruit: small catkins
Cones: small brown cones
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


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