Green Alder vs Witch Hazel - TreeTime.ca

Green Alder vs Witch Hazel

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

Hamamelis virginiana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Green Alder
Witch Hazel

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.

Witch Hazel is a deciduous shrub, or small tree, with a short trunk, bearing numerous spreading, crooked branches.

The seeds grow in a long, wooden pod with two to four seeds per pod. Upon ripening, the pods burst, firing the seeds up to 30km an hour.

The leaf and bark extract of Witch Hazel has been used as a remedy to common ailments such as inflammation, bruises and much more for many centuries.

Green Alder Quick Facts

Witch Hazel Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: any
Light: any
Moisture: any
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


Seeds: seeds ejected to a distance of up to 30 ft
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: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: american green alder