Grey Alder vs Nannyberry - TreeTime.ca

Grey Alder vs Nannyberry

Alnus incana

Viburnum lentago

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Grey Alder
Nannyberry

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.

Nannyberry is a hardy shrub known for attracting wildlife. Its clusters of white flowers and tasty berries are suitable for bees, birds, and other animals.

Nannyberry is also used in urban yards and landscaping. This shrub makes a beautiful ornamental and is small enough to grow underneath power lines. Its berries can be eaten fresh or used in baking and preserves.

Makes a great hedge or privacy screen in an urban yard. Often has great red fall color to complement its spring flowers.

Grey Alder Quick Facts

Nannyberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2b
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Fall colour: yellow to orange
Bark: gray and scaly
Flowers: white
Fruit: small catkins
Berries: red to purple
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: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: hoary alder, river alder, speckled alder
Other Names: sheepberry, sweet viburnum