Witch Hazel vs Sitka Alder - TreeTime.ca

Witch Hazel vs Sitka Alder

Hamamelis virginiana

Alnus alnobetula subsp. sinuata

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Witch Hazel
Sitka Alder

Witch Hazel is a deciduous shrub, or small tree, with a short trunk, bearing numerous spreading, crooked branches.

The seeds grow in a long, wooden pod with two to four seeds per pod. Upon ripening, the pods burst, firing the seeds up to 30km an hour.

The leaf and bark extract of Witch Hazel has been used as a remedy to common ailments such as inflammation, bruises and much more for many centuries.

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.

Witch Hazel Quick Facts

Sitka Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright to prostrate, thicket-forming
Spreading: seed - medium, layering - medium
Suckering: medium


Bark: redish-brown to grey, smooth
Seeds: seeds ejected to a distance of up to 30 ft
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Native to: AB, BC, YT, NT
Other Names: wavy leaf alder