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| Source: OSU Department of Horticulture |
Common Name: Red Alder
Family: Betulaceae
Type of Plant: Broadleaf deciduous tree
Habit: In the open, has a broadly conical shape with spreading branches. In the forest, has a straight trunk visible to a narrow, rounded crown.
Growth Rate: Fast
10-Year Height: > 20
Mature Height: 50 feet
Leaves: Alternate, simple, oval to rhombic, tapered from the middle to both ends, 8-15 vein-pairs, dull dark green above, grayish and pubescent on veins below, margin coarsely toothed, rolled under (revolute)
Flowers: Male (pollen) catkins in small clusters at stem tips. Female flower catkins visible in winter in small clusters below male catkins
Fruit: Mature seed catkins (cones) barrel-shaped
Buds/New Growth: Twigs triangular or rounded in cross section, buds stalked, 2-3 pubescent scales
Stem/Bark: Smooth, light gray, but usually almost white with lichens.
Culture: Sun. Tolerates infertile soil because it forms an association with a small soil bacteria, Frankia, resulting in root nodules that transform the tree into a nitrogen fixer. Likes moist soil.
Pruning:
Pests/Diseases: In the landscape, red alder is a favored host for tent caterpillars.
Landscape Uses: Fill in gaps in the landscape where soil is too wet for other plants. To harvest its awesome nitrogen-rich wood and leaves. To add nitrogen to the soil. Dividers along property lines. Erosion control. Firewood and smoking chips.
Additional Information:
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