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Brundage, Stephanie

Alnus viridis

Alnus viridis (Chaix) DC.

Green Alder

Betulaceae (Birch Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: ALVI5

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N), GL (N), SPM (N)

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.

From the Image Gallery

22 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Fruit Type: Samara
Size Notes: Up to about 30 feet tall.
Fruit: Black, Brown.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow , Green , Brown
Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AK , CA , ID , MA , ME , MI , MN , MT , NC , NH , NY , OR , PA , TN , VT , WA , WI , WY
Canada: 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.

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil 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 Insects
Attracts: Birds

Find Seed or Plants

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	FAC		FAC	FAC	FACW

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:

Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA

Bibliography

Bibref 1258 - Trees of Ontario (2007) Kershaw, Linda

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-09-30
Research By: TWC Staff

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