Wild Snowberry vs Mountain Alder - TreeTime.ca

Wild Snowberry vs Mountain Alder

Symphoricarpos spp.

Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

no image
Mountain Alder

Wild Snowberry is a mix of Common Snowberry and Western Snowberry. Each shrub's size, flower, and berry colour may vary.

This plant is abundant across the prairies. It can be planted alone or as a hedge in small yards. This shrub's ornamental berries persist into winter. Wild Snowberry can be a natural habitat and food source for various animals.

Mountain Alder is a native cold-hardy shrub or small tree often found along streams and in moist forested habitats. Its nitrogen-fixing ability enriches soils and supports surrounding vegetation, while its extensive root system helps stabilize streambanks and slopes. The fast growth rate allows it to establish quickly on disturbed sites, making it especially valuable in reclamation, restoration, and erosion control projects.

Often forming dense thickets, Mountain Alder enhances habitat quality in riparian and upland areas. It provides food and cover for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Recognized as an important species for soil and water conservation, it is well suited for riparian planting, naturalization, and ecological restoration.

Note: We use Sitka Alder for Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia. This species is also known by many other common names, including Grey Alder, River Alder, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

Wild Snowberry Quick Facts

Mountain Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: multi-stemmed, thicket-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: medium


Bark: smooth, gray to brown
Flowers: white and occasionally pinkish
Berries: showy white berries persist into winter
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Native to: AB, BC, SK, YT, NT
Other Names: coralberry, ghostberry, waxberry, wolfberry
Other Names: river alder, speckled alder, thin-leaved alder, thinleaf alder, western river alder