Hardy pioneer alder of cold and dry sites where common alder will not thrive. Fixes nitrogen via Frankia bacteria and improves poor soils.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 2–7 | −45.6 °C to −12.2 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 2–7 | −40 °C to −7 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–5 | −15 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Larval host for the alder kitten moth and the green hairstreak butterfly
- Fixes nitrogen via symbiotic Frankia bacteria in root nodules — the same actinorhizal mechanism used by sea buckthorn and bayberry
- More drought tolerant than common alder — succeeds on dry exposed sites where A. glutinosa fails
- Excellent pioneer for restoring degraded or eroded ground
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Grey alder against your zones