Pygmy Caragana vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Pygmy Caragana vs Red Alder

Caragana pygmaea

Alnus rubra

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Pygmy Caragana
Red Alder

Pygmy Caragana is a shrub that is related to Common Caragana and has a compact size that is suitable for yards with limited space. Its size is perfect for landscaping and decorative hedges, and requires little maintenance. This nitrogen fixer has fine-textured foliage and small yellow flowers. Much like Common Caragana, it is hardy and drought tolerant.

Popular as a low maintenance commercial landscaping shrub and for hedging. This species does have tiny spines that might poke you a bit. It has a nice appealing texture when mature.

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.

Pygmy Caragana Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 5b
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
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: none


Bark: smooth, grey
Flowers: prolific tiny yellow pea-like flowers
Seeds: prolific seedpods are edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: BC
Other Names: pygmy peashrub
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder