Green Alder vs Pussy Willow - TreeTime.ca

Green Alder vs Pussy Willow

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

Salix discolor

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Green Alder
Pussy Willow

Green Alder is a cold hardy, native shrub. It is often planted on infertile sites so it can fix nitrogen from the air and improve the soil quality.

Green Alder is known for its smooth grey bark and attractive shiny green leaves; it is commonly used in reclamation.

Pussy Willow is a large shrub or small tree that produces catkins that are soft, silky, and silvery before leaves appear in the spring. This native willow prefers moist to wet soil.

Pussy Willow makes a beautiful accent tree, and its bright branches can be used for floral arrangements or basket making.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Green Alder Quick Facts

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: high


Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes

In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: american green alder
Other Names: american willow