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

Grey Alder vs Water Birch (Red Birch)

Betula occidentalis

Alnus incana

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

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Grey Alder

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.

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.

Water Birch (Red Birch) Quick Facts

Grey Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 1a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: none


Fall colour: yellow to orange
Bark: non-peeling, shiny, reddish brown and marked with white horizontal streaks
Fruit: small catkins
Cones: small brown cones
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


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