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Weyand, Phyllis
Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC.
Green alder
Betulaceae (Birch Family)
USDA Symbol: ALVI5
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Thicket-forming shrub or small tree, often with several trunks, and with shiny yellow-green leaves, gummy when young.
In Alaska, Green Alder is a pioneer in disturbed areas, following landslides, logging, and glacial retreat. Adapted to soils too barren for other trees, this species improves soil conditions by adding organic matter and nitrogen from bacteria in its roots. Alder roots have clusters of nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. Alders therefore thrive on nutrient-poor sites, and when these shrubs die and decompose, they release stored nitrogen and enrich the soil for other plants. (Kershaw) It acts as a short-lived nurse tree for Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), later dying when shaded by the larger conifer.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Fruit: Black, Brown
Size Class: 12-36 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , Green , BrownBloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , ID , MA , ME , MI , MN , MT , NC , NH , NY , OR , PA , TN , VT , WA , WI , WYCanada: NB , NL , ON , PE
Native Distribution: SW. and central Alaska and Yukon southeast to NW. California and central Montana; in Alaska to alpine zone above timberline; in NW. California to 7000 (2134 m).
Native Habitat: Along streams and lakes and in valleys.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), GL(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Wet
Soil Description: Sandy
Conditions Comments: Alder roots have clusters of nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. Alders therefore thrive on nutrient-poor sites, and when these shrubs die and decompose, they release stored nitrogen.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Birds, Other Showy InsectsAttracts: Birds
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Alnus viridis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Alnus viridis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Alnus viridis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-07-03Research By: TWC Staff
