Twining Honeysuckle vs Mountain Alder - TreeTime.ca

Twining Honeysuckle vs Mountain Alder

Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia

Lonicera dioica

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Mountain Alder
Twining Honeysuckle

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.

Twining Honeysuckle is a vine native to the forests of Canada and the United States.

It can often be found winding up the bark of large trees or spreading out as a ground cover where no supports are present. You will love the attractive, yellow-orange flowers with pink centers which turn into red, inedible berries.

Consider Twining Honeysuckle when trying to achieve a natural, spreading, unkempt look for your garden.

Mountain Alder Quick Facts

Twining Honeysuckle Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: shade, partial shade
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: multi-stemmed, thicket-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Bark: smooth, gray to brown
Flowers: tubular, yellow-orange
Berries: round, red clusters
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, YT, NT
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, YT, NT
Other Names: river alder, speckled alder, thin-leaved alder, thinleaf alder, western river alder
Other Names: glaucous honeysuckle, limber honeysuckle, wild honeysuckle