Ohio Buckeye vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Ohio Buckeye vs Red Alder

Aesculus glabra

Alnus rubra

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

CUSTOM GROW

Ohio Buckeye
Red Alder

Ohio Buckeye is a medium sized deciduous tree. If you are looking for a shade tree, Ohio Buckeye's dense canopy of unique leaves can provide it.

Named after its fruit, an inedible nut enclosed in a prickly husk, Ohio Buckeye also features green-yellow flowers and long, broad leaves that turn brilliant red in the fall.

Slow growing, but an extremely attractive tree. Find out what experienced horticulturalists already know: this tree is a gem.

A top CO2 absorbing species. Experts think this tree may help climate change more than others.

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.

Ohio Buckeye Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 5b
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: nuts are toxic to humans and cattle

Foliage: palmate
Fall colour: reddish-orange or yellow
Bark: smooth, grey
Nuts: spiny nut
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON
Native to: BC
Other Names: american buckeye, fetid buckeye
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder