Alnus alnobetula subsp. fruticosa, commonly known as Siberian Alder or Green Alder, is a deciduous shrub native to the riparian zones, wetlands, and moist mountain slopes of Eurasia and North America. It exhibits a moderate growth rate and typically reaches a height of 3-12 feet (0.9-3.7 meters) with a similar spread of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters). The Siberian Alder has a multi-stemmed habit with a rounded form. Its flowers are inconspicuous, with male catkins being yellow-brown and female catkins green, blooming in early spring before the leaves emerge.

This alder is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used for stabilizing stream banks and preventing soil erosion. It is also planted in waterlogged or poorly drained areas where other plants might struggle. Siberian Alder is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, including loam and clay, and it can handle both fast and slow drainage. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires high amounts of water, reflecting its natural preference for moist environments. While it is not known for showy flowers, it does produce small cones that add interest in the winter landscape. One potential problem is that it can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases, and it may spread aggressively in some conditions, potentially becoming invasive outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0