Peking Cotoneaster vs Green Alder - TreeTime.ca

Peking Cotoneaster vs Green Alder

Cotoneaster acutifolius

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2028)

Peking Cotoneaster
Green Alder

Peking Cotoneaster is a medium-sized shrub that is well adapted to colder climates. Best suited for use as a hedge, Peking Cotoneaster has dark green foliage that turns a stunning reddish orange in the fall.

Hardy fruit guru, Bernie Nikolai (DBG Fruit Growers), has started to recommend grafting hardy pear varieties to Peking Cotoneaster after his experiences were successful and produced fruit faster than other rootstocks. Remember to leave some nurse limbs if you try this.

Green Alder is a native, cold-hardy shrub found in boreal forests, along slopes, and in open upland habitats. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility and helping other plants grow, while its roots help stabilize slopes and disturbed ground. Fast to establish on poor soils, it is widely used in reclamation, restoration, and erosion control projects.

With its smooth grey bark and shiny green leaves, Green Alder often forms dense thickets that provide cover for birds and small mammals. Its seeds, buds, and catkins also supply food for wildlife. Green Alder is well suited for naturalization and ecological restoration.

Note: We use Green Alder for Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa. This species is also known by many other common names, including Mountain Alder, Sitka Alder, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

Peking Cotoneaster Quick Facts

Green Alder Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: glossy upper surface
Fall colour: reddish-orange
Flowers: white, spring
Berries: black fruit
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes

In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)

In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, SK, MB, ON, NS, NB, NL, YT
Other Names: american green alder