This product does not ship to: Idaho
Availability : Pre-Order
Availability : In Stock

Speckled Alder

Availability : Pre-Order
Availability : In Stock
$88.99
This product does not ship to: Idaho
Light Needs

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun
(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height

Mature Height

12 - 15 Feet
Mature Spread

Mature Spread

12 - 15 Feet
Growing Zones

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Speckled Alder is a native on the east side of the Mississippi River and is common in areas with wet and sandy soils along streams and lakes. Alnus incana ssp. rugosa gets its common name from the white, raised lenticels on its dark-colored stems. This deciduous shrub has a glorious yellow fall color and brownish-colored catkins in spring that appear just before the leaves sprout. 

Speckled alder can be grown as a single-trunk tree or left to spread naturally by its underground suckers. Use its spreading to fill in large areas and form a windbreak or habitat for local wildlife. The leathery leaves support the caterpillars of the green comma butterfly, while other small animals and insects eat the bark, seeds, and wooly aphids that may attack this shrub. The wettest zones of a rain garden and along ponds or streams are ideal locations to plant speckled alder.

Speckled Alder Care

Speckled Alder prefers wet soil with an average or sandy texture. At least 6 hours of direct sun is preferred. This shrub is cold tolerant and grows well in USDA zones 3-6; however, it does not tolerate high heat and humidity south of zone 6. Speckled alder requires acidic soil and will show signs of chlorosis in a pH level above neutral (7.0). Fertilizing is not necessary. 

Pruning is only needed to control the spread and dense growth of speckled alder. Cut the oldest branches down to the base of the shrub in late winter, along with any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Deadheading or thinning is not required when this shrub is grown to support wildlife habitat. Mulch the root zone annually with arborist chips or shredded leaves to improve moisture retention; this is especially beneficial for shrubs planted in drier locations of the garden. 

Speckled Alder Spacing

Speckled Adler can spread 12-15 feet, which means each shrub needs to be spaced 12 feet from the center of the next. You can plant the shrubs closer for quick cover; however, pruning will need to be done seasonally to ensure the area does not become overgrown.

Speckled Alder Information

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8
Plant Type: Bushes
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height: 12 - 15 Feet
Mature Spread: 12 - 15 Feet
Spacing: 12 - 15 Feet
Habit: Upright
Flower Color(s): Green
Flower Description: Green Shades
Bloom Period:
Foliage Type: Deciduous
Foliage Color(s): Green
Foliage Description: Deep green on dark warty stems
Seasonal Interest: Fall Interest
Watering: High
Resists: N/A
Tolerates: N/A
Attracts: Butterflies
Container Role:
Uses: Borders, Windbreaks
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Fragrant
Brand:
Common Name: Speckled Alder
Other Name(s):
Scientific Name: Alnus incana subsp. rugosa
SKU:
1231002753-pc

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot

Quart Pot

Also Known As:
Quart

Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year

Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"

Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W

Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart

2.5 Quart

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot

Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old

Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"

Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W

Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot

#1 Pot

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon

Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old

Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"

Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W

Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot

#2 Pot

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon

Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old

Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"

Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W

Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot

#3 Pot

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon

Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old

Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"

Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W

Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot

#5 Pot

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon

Plant Age:
~3-4 years old

Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"

Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W

Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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Plant Shipping

Pre-Ordered Plants

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.

Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule

Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.

Growing Zone Estimated Ship Week
Zone 10March 24th
Zone 9March 31st
Zone 8April 7th
Zone 7April 14th
Zone 6bApril 21st
Zone 6aApril 28th
Zone 5bMay 5th
Zone 5aMay 12th
Zone 4May 19th
Zone 3May 26th

Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.

Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.

Plants Shipping Now

Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.