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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Alnus oblongifolia (Arizona alder)
Anderson, Wynn

Alnus oblongifolia

Alnus oblongifolia Torr.

Arizona Alder

Betulaceae (Birch Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: ALOB2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Tall, straight-trunked tree with open, rounded crown.

This is one of the largest native alders and a handsome tree of rocky canyon bottoms. It is recognized by its smooth, dark gray bark. The soft wood is used as fuel.

 

From the Image Gallery

5 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Elliptic , Lanceolate , Ovate
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Leaf Margin: Double-serrate
Leaf Base: Cuneate
Leaf Texture: Leathery
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Inflorescence: Catkin
Fruit Type: Samara
Size Notes: Height to 30 M.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Green
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr

Distribution

USA: AZ , NM
Native Distribution: SW. New Mexico and Arizona; local in N. New Mexico; also in N. Mexico; at 4500-7500' (1372-2286 m).
Native Habitat: Wet canyon soils in mountains and along streams.

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:AGCPAKAWCBEMPGPHIMWNCNEWMVE
Status: FACW FACW FACW
This information is derived from: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (2023). 2022 National Wetland Plant List, version 3.6. U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS. https://wetland-plants.usace.army.mil/. Click here for map of regions.

Web Reference

Webref 3 - Flora of North America (2014) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2025-04-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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