Wild Snowberry vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Wild Snowberry vs Red Alder

Symphoricarpos spp.

Alnus rubra

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

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Red 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.

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.

Wild Snowberry Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 5b
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: medium


Bark: smooth, grey
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: BC
Other Names: coralberry, ghostberry, waxberry, wolfberry
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder