Ninebark vs Green Alder - TreeTime.ca

Ninebark vs Green Alder

Physocarpus opulifolius

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

CUSTOM GROW

Ninebark
Green Alder

Ninebark is a small, multi-stemmed shrub, that is used to add texture or colour to any yard.

It features flaky, cinnamon-brown bark, attractive white flowers, and long, maple-like leaves.

Green Alder is a native, cold-hardy shrub found in boreal forests, along slopes, and in open upland habitats. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility and helping other plants grow, while its roots help stabilize slopes and disturbed ground. Fast to establish on poor soils, it is widely used in reclamation, restoration, and erosion control projects.

With its smooth grey bark and shiny green leaves, Green Alder often forms dense thickets that provide cover for birds and small mammals. Its seeds, buds, and catkins also supply food for wildlife. Green Alder is well suited for naturalization and ecological restoration.

Note: We use Green Alder for Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa. This species is also known by many other common names, including Mountain Alder, Sitka Alder, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

Ninebark Quick Facts

Green Alder Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Flowers: small white clusters
Berries: small pink to purple berry like follicles
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB
Native to: AB, SK, MB, ON, NS, NB, NL, YT
Other Names: american green alder