Green Alder vs Round Leaf Hawthorn - TreeTime.ca

Green Alder vs Round Leaf Hawthorn

Crataegus chrysocarpa (Crataegus rotundifolia)

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

Round Leaf Hawthorn
Green Alder

Getting its name from rounded, toothed leaves, the Round Leaf Hawthorn is a winter hardy shrub that grows small, red, berry-like fruits.

Commonly used for landscaping, this shrub can also be found along stream banks and in wooded areas. Caution is advised when handling the Round Leaf Hawthorn, as it can have sharp thorns approximately 1" long.

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.

Round Leaf Hawthorn Quick Facts

Green Alder Quick Facts

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Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Foliage: round, serrated
Flowers: showy white
Fruit: small red berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


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