Northern Red Currant vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Northern Red Currant vs Red Alder

Ribes triste

Alnus rubra

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Northern Red Currant
Red Alder

The Northern Red Currant is also known as the Swamp Red currant due to its preference for moist soil. As long as the soil is wet, this shrub can live in any degree of sunlight.

The currant itself is a bright red-purple berry enjoyed by many animals and some people for its sour flavour, similar to garden red currants. The flowers of this shrub are tiny and red or greenish-purple.

Red Alder is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to western North America. Its fixes nitrogen, which enriches soils and supports the growth of surrounding plants. Ideal for sites with poor soil conditions, or areas disturbed by logging, construction or fire.
It provides shade in riparian areas, creating cover for fish. Its seeds and buds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the foliage provides browse for wildlife. The catkins release clouds of pollen attracting bees and other insects.
The Red Alder gets its namesake from the rusty-red color the bark turns when bruised.

Northern Red Currant Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 5b
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: none


Bark: smooth, grey
Flowers: reddish or greenish purple
Berries: shiny, sour, bright red
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Native to: BC
Other Names: swamp red currant
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder