Common Caragana vs Green Alder - TreeTime.ca

Common Caragana vs Green Alder

Caragana arborescens

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

Common Caragana
Green Alder

Common Caragana is a fast growing shrub that's known for its exceptional hardiness and drought tolerance. Although it's most commonly planted in shelterbelts, Common Caragana is also an excellent hedge or feature shrub.

Note: in warmer areas, this species can be difficult to contain once planted. Use the right plant in the right place.

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.

Common Caragana Quick Facts

Green Alder Quick Facts

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Zone: 1b
Zone: 1a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: yellow, in spring
Fruit: pod like fruits
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: black karagana, caragana, pea tree, siberian pea shrub, yellow acacia
Other Names: american green alder