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Alnus rubra
Alnus rubra Bong.
Red Alder, Western Alder
Betulaceae (Birch Family)
Synonym(s): Alnus oregona, Alnus oregona var. pinnatisecta
USDA Symbol: alru2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
Graceful tree with straight trunk, pointed or rounded crown, and mottled, light gray to whitish, smooth bark. Alder roots, like those of legumes, often have swellings or root nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which enrich the soil by converting nitrogen from the air into chemicals like fertilizers that the plants can use. The common name describes the reddish-brown inner bark and heartwood.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Elliptic , Ovate
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Leaf Margin: Double-serrate
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Inflorescence: Catkin
Fruit Type: Samara
Size Notes: Height 20-40 feet, spread 20-30 feet.
Leaf: Dark green above.
Fruit: Cone-like, 1/2 to 1 inch long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , Green , BrownBloom Time: Mar , Apr
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , ID , OR , WACanada: BC
Native Distribution: SE. Alaska southeast to central California; also local in N. Idaho; to 2500' (762 m).
Native Habitat: Moist soils including loam, gravel, sand, and clay, along streams and lower slopes; often in nearly pure stands.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Benefit
Use Food: Used in smoking meats and fish.Use Other: Furniture, veneer, cabinets. Bark was used by Indians for dyes.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Propagation
Propagation Material: Seeds , Softwood CuttingsSeed Treatment: Best germination in full sun.
Maintenance: Can be shaped by pruning when young.
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FACW | FAC |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 1149 - Alaska Trees And Shrubs (2007) Viereck, L. A. and Little, E. L.Bibref 698 - Native Plants for Use in the California Landscape (1978) Labadie, E. L.
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Additional resources
USDA: Find Alnus rubra in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Alnus rubra in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Alnus rubra
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-01-29Research By: TWC Staff