Labrador Tea vs Mountain Alder - TreeTime.ca

Labrador Tea vs Mountain Alder

Rhododendron groenlandicum (Ledum groenlandicum)

Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Labrador Tea
Mountain Alder

Labrador Tea is slow-growing evergreen shrub native to the boreal forests of Canada.

It thrives in wet, swampy conditions.

Labrador Tea has narrow, leathery, dark green leaves, topped by a cluster of white flowers in the spring. It is a perfect ornamental shrub for boggy, wet areas of your property.

Mountain Alder is a native cold-hardy shrub or small tree often found along streams and in moist forested habitats. Its nitrogen-fixing ability enriches soils and supports surrounding vegetation, while its extensive root system helps stabilize streambanks and slopes. The fast growth rate allows it to establish quickly on disturbed sites, making it especially valuable in reclamation, restoration, and erosion control projects.

Often forming dense thickets, Mountain Alder enhances habitat quality in riparian and upland areas. It provides food and cover for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Recognized as an important species for soil and water conservation, it is well suited for riparian planting, naturalization, and ecological restoration.

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

Labrador Tea Quick Facts

Mountain Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: multi-stemmed, thicket-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: none

Toxicity: slightly toxic if ingested

Foliage: leathery, orange undersides, evergreen
Fall colour: rust orange
Bark: smooth, gray to brown
Flowers: white, fragrant
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, YT, NT
Other Names: river alder, speckled alder, thin-leaved alder, thinleaf alder, western river alder