Green Alder vs Washington Hawthorn - TreeTime.ca

Green Alder vs Washington Hawthorn

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

Crataegus phaenopyrum

SOLD OUT

CUSTOM GROW

Green Alder
Washington Hawthorn

Green Alder is a native, cold-hardy shrub found in boreal forests, along slopes, and in open upland habitats. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility and helping other plants grow, while its roots help stabilize slopes and disturbed ground. Fast to establish on poor soils, it is widely used in reclamation, restoration, and erosion control projects.

With its smooth grey bark and shiny green leaves, Green Alder often forms dense thickets that provide cover for birds and small mammals. Its seeds, buds, and catkins also supply food for wildlife. Green Alder is well suited for naturalization and ecological restoration.

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

Washington Hawthorn is an attractive ornamental shrub that is dense enough to plant as a privacy screen. It produces clusters of white blooms in late spring to early summer.

Washington Hawthorn's red berries last throughout winter, bringing squirrels and birds to your property. In the fall, its foliage turns beautiful orange, scarlet, or purple.

One of the most overlooked trees on the prairies. This tree is often used as rootstock, a wildlife attractor, or a boulevard hedge. Give this one a second look.

This species is also known as one of the more salt-tolerant species for those with saline soils.

Please note: this plant is poisonous to dogs.

Green Alder Quick Facts

Washington Hawthorn Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


Fall colour: orange, scarlet or purple
Flowers: white flowers in spring
Berries: small, red
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)

In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, SK, MB, ON, NS, NB, NL, YT
Other Names: american green alder
Other Names: washington thorn