Common Wild Rose vs Mountain Alder - TreeTime.ca

Common Wild Rose vs Mountain Alder

Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia

Rosa woodsii

CUSTOM GROW

Mountain Alder
Common Wild Rose

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.

Common Wild Rose produces attractive pink roses and edible bright red rosehips. This tough, native shrub is a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to any garden. Common Wild Rose is very similar to Alberta (Prickly) Wild Rose but with fewer thorns.

Mountain Alder Quick Facts

Common Wild Rose Quick Facts

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Zone: 1a
Zone: 1a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: multi-stemmed, thicket-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: none


Fall colour: bright red
Bark: smooth, gray to brown
Flowers: pink
Fruit: rose hips
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, YT, NT
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT, NT
Other Names: river alder, speckled alder, thin-leaved alder, thinleaf alder, western river alder
Other Names: woods rose