Green Alder
Alnus alnobetula
Also listed as Betula alnobetula, Duschekia alnobetula
Also known as European Green Alder, Mountain Alder
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous shrub valued for its fine-textured foliage and catkins in spring. Thrives in cool, moist mountain habitats and stabilizes soil along waterways.
Why grow it
Green alder is a nitrogen-fixing shrub that performs well in cooler climates and moist soils where many ornamental alders struggle, making it useful for soil improvement and streambank stabilization in northern mountain regions. Unlike larger alder species, its compact habit and fine foliage texture suit smaller landscape schemes while still providing early catkins and wildlife value.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist conditions and performs poorly in dry soils or hot, humid lowland climates. It may require periodic pruning to maintain a tidy form, as untended plants can become leggy or irregularly shaped.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Betulaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Alpine and subalpine regions of Europe and Asia
Native to: Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous shrub valued for its fine-textured foliage and catkins in spring. Thrives in cool, moist mountain habitats and stabilizes soil along waterways.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Green Alder grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Green alder is a nitrogen-fixing shrub that performs well in cooler climates and moist soils where many ornamental alders struggle, making it useful for soil improvement and streambank stabilization in northern mountain regions. Unlike larger alder species, its compact habit and fine foliage texture suit smaller landscape schemes while still providing early catkins and wildlife value.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist conditions and performs poorly in dry soils or hot, humid lowland climates. It may require periodic pruning to maintain a tidy form, as untended plants can become leggy or irregularly shaped.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Betulaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Alpine and subalpine regions of Europe and Asia
Native to: Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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