Grey Alder vs Common Cattail - TreeTime.ca

Grey Alder vs Common Cattail

Alnus incana

Typha latifolia

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Grey Alder
Common Cattail

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.

Cattail is found all across North America, growing next to water. Like other waterside plants, Cattail provides erosion control and forage for animals.

It is suitable for land reclamation. Cattail is able to tolerate cold weather and occasional flooding.

Grey Alder Quick Facts

Common Cattail Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 1a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Foliage: thick, flat
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: yellow and green
Fruit: small catkins
Cones: small brown cones
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: hoary alder, river alder, speckled alder
Other Names: baco, bulrush, cat o nine tails, cossack asparagus, flag, reed mace, rush