Native Plants

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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:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
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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