Rose Glow Barberry vs Mountain Alder - TreeTime.ca

Rose Glow Barberry vs Mountain Alder

Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia

Berberis thunbergii Rose Glow

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Mountain Alder
Rose Glow Barberry

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.

Rose Glow Barberry is a cold hardy, drought tolerant shrub. It has attractive, mottled foliage that ranges from red, pink, green, and white, maturing to deep maroon.

Rose Glow Barberry has sharp thorns, so be careful when you're handling this shrub. These thorns are what make Rose Glow Barberry an excellent hedge plant as they deter rabbit and deer.

Mountain Alder Quick Facts

Rose Glow Barberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
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: pink/purple flower
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, YT, NT
Other Names: river alder, speckled alder, thin-leaved alder, thinleaf alder, western river alder