Green Alder vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

Green Alder vs Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Black Locust
Green Alder

Black Locust is an attractive tree. Its distinctive leaves are made of about a dozen bright green leaflets. It also notable for its fragrant white flowers, which smell of citrus.

Black Locust can grow in many situations, but prefers dry areas with lots of sun. It is robust and is an excellent choice for establishing shade in dry, open areas.

Important note: Much of the Black Locust is toxic to humans and livestock, including seeds, bark, and leaves.

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.

Black Locust Quick Facts

Green Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: high


Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Seeds: dark brown peapod-like pods
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust
Other Names: american green alder