Diablo Ninebark vs Mountain Alder - TreeTime.ca

Diablo Ninebark vs Mountain Alder

Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia

Physocarpus opulifolius Diablo

CUSTOM GROW

Mountain Alder
Diablo Ninebark

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.

Diablo Ninebark is a small, low maintenance, multi-stemmed shrub, that is used to add texture or color to any yard. This plant grows dark purple leaves in the spring and grows slightly faster than Common Ninebark. It features flaky red to brown bark, clusters of white flowers, and long, maple-like leaves. Diablo Ninebark can make a dense and colorful hedge, or it can be an attractive ornamental by itself.

Mountain Alder Quick Facts

Diablo Ninebark Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $4.99 - SAVE UP TO 44%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: multi-stemmed, thicket-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: reddish-purple
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: smooth, gray to brown
Bark: brown to red, exfoliating
Flowers: white
Berries: red
Seeds: inflated seed capsules
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: eastern ninebark, purple ninebark