Common Wild Rose vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Common Wild Rose vs Red Alder

Alnus rubra

Rosa woodsii

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Red Alder
Common Wild Rose

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.

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.

Red Alder Quick Facts

Common Wild Rose Quick Facts

Zone: 5b
Zone: 1a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 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: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: none


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


Native to: BC
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT, NT
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder
Other Names: woods rose