Nannyberry vs Sitka Alder - TreeTime.ca

Nannyberry vs Sitka Alder

Viburnum lentago

Alnus alnobetula subsp. sinuata

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Nannyberry
Sitka Alder

Nannyberry is a hardy shrub known for attracting wildlife. Its clusters of white flowers and tasty berries are suitable for bees, birds, and other animals.

Nannyberry is also used in urban yards and landscaping. This shrub makes a beautiful ornamental and is small enough to grow underneath power lines. Its berries can be eaten fresh or used in baking and preserves.

Makes a great hedge or privacy screen in an urban yard. Often has great red fall color to complement its spring flowers.

Sitka Alder is a native deciduous shrub or small tree that often forms dense thickets. Its extensive root system stabilizes slopes and streambanks. Nitrogen-fixing capabilities and nutrient-rich leaf litter improve soil fertility, creating better growing conditions for surrounding plants. These qualities make it especially effective in disturbed or erosion-prone sites.
Often found in moist, high-elevation mountain environments, Sitka Alder also enhances habitat by providing cover and structure in both riparian and upland areas. Birds and small mammals utilize it for nesting, and its seeds serve as a food source.
Note: We use Sitka Alder for Alnus alnobetula subsp. sinuata. This species is also known by many other common names, including Mountain Alder, Green Alder, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

Nannyberry Quick Facts

Sitka Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 2a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright to prostrate, thicket-forming
Spreading: seed - medium, layering - medium
Suckering: medium


Bark: gray and scaly
Bark: redish-brown to grey, smooth
Flowers: white
Berries: red to purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Native to: AB, BC, YT, NT
Other Names: sheepberry, sweet viburnum
Other Names: wavy leaf alder