Image of Alnus incana
Source: Willow
image of Deciduous Tree
Alnus incana
Grey Alder
Aulne blanc

Obsolete Names

gray alder
hoary alder
aulne gris
Seeds available at table Vines, Shrubs, Trees
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom colour: Green Bloom period: Apr - May
Max Height: 40.0 feet
Max Width: 15.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
plant germinate easy Easy to germinate
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape uses:
wetland garden Suitable for wetland garden
Ecological Benefits:
Pollinator garden Supports pollinators
nitrogen fixer Fixes nitrogen in the soil
Tolerates:
Special Features and Considerations:

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Alnus incana
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent
View taxonomy on Canadensys

View on iNaturalist

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Taiga Plains
  • Atlantic Maritime
  • Taiga Shield
  • Boreal Plains
  • Montane Cordillera
  • Hudson Plains
  • Boreal Shield
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Alnus incana

  • Lomographa semiclarata (Bluish Spring)
  • Melanchra adjuncta (Hitched Arches)
  • Orgyia leucostigma (marked Tussock)
  • Sphinx poecila (Poecila Sphinx)

Specialized Bees Supported by Alnus incana

No bee data available for this plant.

Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Rhamnus cathartica (Common Buckthorn)
  • Rhamnus frangula (Glossy Buckthorn)

Sowing Information

Download Sowing Label (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow anytime
  • Stratification duration: 0 days
  • Self-seeding

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: September
  • Harvesting indicator: Pods are released from plant
  • Harvesting mean: Use hand to detach from main stem
  • Seed viability test: No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: Six (6) seeds (eyeball)
  • Seed storage: Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp, shaking seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • At least one cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • Remove non seed material
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Not known to be toxic to mammals if ingested.