River Alder vs Water Birch (Red Birch) - TreeTime.ca

River Alder vs Water Birch (Red Birch)

Alnus incana

Betula occidentalis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

ONLY AVAILABLE BY CONTRACT GROW

River Alder
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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.

Water Birch, also known as Red Birch, is a waterside plant native to western North America. This multi-stemmed species is ideal for wetlands. It tolerates being planted in heavy clay and wet soil conditions.

This tree grows small enough for yards with limited space.

It is an attractive ornamental with reddish non-peeling bark.

Note: Unfortunately this difficult to grow species is not currently scheduled to grow at TreeTime.ca. Perhaps try purchasing seed from SeedTime.ca and growing your own? Or sign up for a restock notification above.

River Alder Quick Facts

Water Birch (Red Birch) Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 4a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Bark: non-peeling, shiny, reddish brown and marked with white horizontal streaks
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: low




Other Names: red birch