Bracted Honeysuckle vs Mountain Alder - TreeTime.ca

Bracted Honeysuckle vs Mountain Alder

Lonicera involucrata

Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Bracted Honeysuckle
Mountain Alder

Bracted Honeysuckle is a shade loving shrub that is distinguishable from other honeysuckles by its square stem and pointed leaves. Native to most of North America, this honeysuckle is found along swamps, rivers, riparian zones and moist wooded areas.

If you have a erosion control project in mind, consider Bracted 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.

Bracted Honeysuckle Quick Facts

Mountain Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 1a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: multi-stemmed, thicket-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: medium


Bark: smooth, gray to brown
Berries: shiny, purple-black berries produced in pairs
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NU
Native to: AB, BC, SK, YT, NT
Other Names: bearberry honeysuckle, black twinberry, twinberry
Other Names: river alder, speckled alder, thin-leaved alder, thinleaf alder, western river alder