Meadowsweet vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Meadowsweet vs Red Alder

Filipendula ulmaria

Alnus rubra

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Meadowsweet
Red Alder

Meadowsweet gets its name from its sweet fragrance from the creamy white flowers. It is a large upright herbaceous perennial shrub. They bloom in early summer, and with the right conditions may remain throughout the season.

Take care of where you’re planting Meadowsweet as it is known to spread.

Red Alder is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to western North America. Its fixes nitrogen, which enriches soils and supports the growth of surrounding plants. Ideal for sites with poor soil conditions, or areas disturbed by logging, construction or fire.
It provides shade in riparian areas, creating cover for fish. Its seeds and buds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the foliage provides browse for wildlife. The catkins release clouds of pollen attracting bees and other insects.
The Red Alder gets its namesake from the rusty-red color the bark turns when bruised.

Meadowsweet Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 5b
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: low


Bark: smooth, grey
Flowers: white
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: BC
Other Names: bride wort, mead wort
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder