Labrador Tea vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Labrador Tea vs Red Alder

Rhododendron groenlandicum (Ledum groenlandicum)

Alnus rubra

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Labrador Tea
Red 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.

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.

Labrador Tea Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 5b
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: none

Toxicity: slightly toxic if ingested

Foliage: leathery, orange undersides, evergreen
Fall colour: rust orange
Bark: smooth, grey
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: BC
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder