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Cressler, Alan

Alnus maritima

Alnus maritima (Marshall) Muhl. ex Nutt.

Seaside Alder

Betulaceae (Birch Family)

Synonym(s): Alnus maritima ssp. metoporina, Alnus maritima var. metoporina, Alnus metoporina, Betula-Alnus maritima

USDA Symbol: ALMA7

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Small, autumn flowering tree with straight trunk and narrow, rounded crown, or a much-branched shrub. Both common and Latin species names refer to the local but not rare distribution near (but not on) the coast. The isolated occurrence in southern Oklahoma is unexplained.

From the Image Gallery

10 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub , Tree
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Elliptic , Obovate
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Leaf Margin: Serrate
Leaf Apex: Acute , Obtuse
Leaf Base: Cuneate
Leaf Texture: Leathery
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Fruit Type: Samara
Size Notes: Height to 10 M.
Leaf: Green.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Green
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: DE , GA , MD , OK
Native Distribution: S. Delaware, E. shore of Maryland, and S. Delaware near sea level; S. Oklahoma at 700' (213 m).
Native Habitat: Wet soil bordering streams and ponds.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	OBL				OBL	OBL

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Additional resources

USDA: Find Alnus maritima in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Alnus maritima in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Alnus maritima

Metadata

Record Modified: 2014-10-07
Research By: TWC Staff

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