Washington Hawthorn vs Sitka Alder - TreeTime.ca

Washington Hawthorn vs Sitka Alder

Crataegus phaenopyrum

Alnus alnobetula subsp. sinuata

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Washington Hawthorn
Sitka Alder

Washington Hawthorn is an attractive ornamental shrub that is dense enough to plant as a privacy screen. It produces clusters of white blooms in late spring to early summer.

Washington Hawthorn's red berries last throughout winter, bringing squirrels and birds to your property. In the fall, its foliage turns beautiful orange, scarlet, or purple.

One of the most overlooked trees on the prairies. This tree is often used as rootstock, a wildlife attractor, or a boulevard hedge. Give this one a second look.

This species is also known as one of the more salt-tolerant species for those with saline soils.

Please note: this plant is poisonous to dogs.

Sitka Alder is a native deciduous shrub or small tree that often forms dense thickets. Its extensive root system stabilizes slopes and streambanks. Nitrogen-fixing capabilities and nutrient-rich leaf litter improve soil fertility, creating better growing conditions for surrounding plants. These qualities make it especially effective in disturbed or erosion-prone sites.
Often found in moist, high-elevation mountain environments, Sitka Alder also enhances habitat by providing cover and structure in both riparian and upland areas. Birds and small mammals utilize it for nesting, and its seeds serve as a food source.
Note: We use Sitka Alder for Alnus alnobetula subsp. sinuata. This species is also known by many other common names, including Mountain Alder, Green Alder, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

Washington Hawthorn Quick Facts

Sitka Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright to prostrate, thicket-forming
Spreading: seed - medium, layering - medium
Suckering: none


Fall colour: orange, scarlet or purple
Bark: redish-brown to grey, smooth
Flowers: white flowers in spring
Berries: small, red
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, YT, NT
Other Names: washington thorn
Other Names: wavy leaf alder