Green Alder vs Black Hawthorn - TreeTime.ca

Green Alder vs Black Hawthorn

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

Crataegus douglasii

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Green Alder
Black 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.

Black Hawthorn is a versatile plant that is native to wetlands and other areas with moist soils, but can also tolerate dry soils. This plant can be grown as a short shrub, or a tree reaching 30 feet tall.

Black Hawthorn is valued for erosion control and attracting pollinators. It also makes an attractive flowering ornamental that can be planted as a specimen or pruned as a hedge. It is commonly used in shelterbelts.

Green Alder Quick Facts

Black Hawthorn Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 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: medium


Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: yellow to red
Bark: brown to gray
Flowers: white
Berries: purplish-black pomes
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, SK, MB, ON, NS, NB, NL, YT
Native to: AB, BC, SK, ON
Other Names: american green alder
Other Names: crataegus columbiana, douglas hawthorn, douglas' thornapple