Ninebark vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Ninebark vs Red Alder

Physocarpus opulifolius

Alnus rubra

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Ninebark
Red 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.

Red Alder is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to western North America. Its fixes nitrogen, which enriches soils and supports the growth of surrounding plants. Ideal for sites with poor soil conditions, or areas disturbed by logging, construction or fire.
It provides shade in riparian areas, creating cover for fish. Its seeds and buds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the foliage provides browse for wildlife. The catkins release clouds of pollen attracting bees and other insects.
The Red Alder gets its namesake from the rusty-red color the bark turns when bruised.

Ninebark Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 5b
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: none


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


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB
Native to: BC
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder