Green Alder vs Northern Bayberry - TreeTime.ca

Green Alder vs Northern Bayberry

Myrica pensylvanica

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Northern Bayberry
Green Alder

Northern Bayberry makes an excellent hedge or feature shrub. It will retain its leaves in warmer climates but drops them in colder areas. They produce blue-grey berries that have a wax coating on them that can be used to make candles or soaps.

In colder hardiness zones the leaves turn an attractive orange to red colour in the fall, making it a striking addition to your landscape.

Northern Bayberry is native to Nova Scotia and tolerates both drought and wet conditions. It is also a nitrogen fixer that tolerates poor soil conditions.

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.

Northern Bayberry Quick Facts

Green Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high

Toxicity: Warning: The wax from bayberry fruit is considered toxic and may be carcinogenic.

Berries: blue-gray
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: candlewood, myrique de pennsylvanie, small waxberry, swamp candleberry, tallow bayberry, tallow shrub, tallow tree, tallowshrub
Other Names: mountain alder, sitka alder