Sitka Alder vs Seaside Arrowgrass - TreeTime.ca

Sitka Alder vs Seaside Arrowgrass

Triglochin maritima

Alnus alnobetula subsp. sinuata

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Seaside Arrowgrass
Sitka Alder

Seaside Arrowgrass is a native perennial commonly found in wetlands, salt marshes, and moist meadows. It is especially suitable for difficult growing sites. Its dense root system helps stabilize soil, while also providing food, cover, and habitat for small animals within the wetland community.

Seaside Arrowgrass is suitable for shoreline stabilization, wetland restoration, and naturalization projects.

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.

Seaside Arrowgrass Quick Facts

Sitka Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, clump-forming
Growth form: upright to prostrate, thicket-forming
Spreading: rhizomes-low, seeds-low
Spreading: seed - medium, layering - medium

Toxicity: can be toxic to humans and livestock

Bark: redish-brown to grey, smooth
Flowers: very small, pinkish-white, hair like
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Native to: AB, BC, YT, NT
Other Names: common arrowgrass, common bog arrowgrass, shore arrowgrass
Other Names: wavy leaf alder