Black Hawthorn vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Black Hawthorn vs Red Alder

Crataegus douglasii

Alnus rubra

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Black Hawthorn
Red Alder

Black Hawthorn is a versatile plant that is native to wetlands and other areas with moist soils, but can also tolerate dry soils. This plant can be grown as a short shrub, or a tree reaching 30 feet tall.

Black Hawthorn is valued for erosion control and attracting pollinators. It also makes an attractive flowering ornamental that can be planted as a specimen or pruned as a hedge. It is commonly used in shelterbelts.

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.

Black Hawthorn Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 5b
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
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


Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: yellow to red
Bark: brown to gray
Bark: smooth, grey
Flowers: white
Berries: purplish-black pomes
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, ON
Native to: BC
Other Names: crataegus columbiana, douglas hawthorn, douglas' thornapple
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder