Amur Maackia vs Mountain Alder - TreeTime.ca

Amur Maackia vs Mountain Alder

Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia

Maackia amurensis

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Mountain Alder
Amur Maackia

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.

Amur Maackia is a robust and pretty tree often used for urban decoration and landscaping. This tree has coppery peeling bark that can sometimes resemble lace. Its upright clusters of small white flowers usually bloom in midsummer. Amur Maackia's Small size makes it a great choice for small yards or limited space.

Mountain Alder Quick Facts

Amur Maackia Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 4a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Growth form: multi-stemmed, thicket-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: low


Fall colour: brown
Bark: smooth, gray to brown
Bark: shiny copper colour shedding in curls
Flowers: upright clusters of small white flowers
Seeds: wide flat seedpods
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, YT, NT
Other Names: river alder, speckled alder, thin-leaved alder, thinleaf alder, western river alder
Other Names: maackia