Grey Alder vs Spicebush - TreeTime.ca

Grey Alder vs Spicebush

Alnus incana

Lindera benzoin

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Grey Alder
Spicebush

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.

The Spicebush is an unique ornamental shrub that blooms with vibrant yellow flowers and bright green foliage. The foliage goes from green to yellow in the autumn, adding fall interest to your garden.The plant is dioecious, meaning that you will need male and female plants in order to harvest it’s red berries. Berries are only produced on female plants. The berries themselves aren’t that sweet, and are mostly enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

The Spicebush, also commonly known as Common Spicebush, Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, and Benjamin Bush, is named after its distinctive spicy-sweet fragrance that comes from the flowers.

Grey Alder Quick Facts

Spicebush Quick Facts

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


Foliage: fragrant
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: greenish yellow
Fruit: small catkins
Berries: red
Cones: small brown cones
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Other Names: hoary alder, river alder, speckled alder
Other Names: benjamin bush, common spicebush, northern spicebush, wild allspice