white alder

Alnus rhombifolia

The white alder is a tall tree with smooth, light-colored bark and green leaves. It grows near rivers and streams, providing shade and homes for many animals.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The white alder is a medium-sized tree with smooth, whitish-gray bark and an often straight trunk. Its bright green, oval leaves have toothed edges, turning yellow in autumn. Dangling yellow-brown male catkins and small, reddish-brown female cone-like structures appear in early spring.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyBetulaceaeGenusAlnus

white alder

Interesting facts

Alder cones release tiny winged seeds that can float on water, spreading new trees downstream!

Its wood is often used to smoke fish, giving them a delicious, savory flavor!

Look closely at its roots; they have tiny bumps that are homes for helpful nitrogen-fixing bacteria!

The bark was historically used by Native Americans to make a reddish-brown dye for baskets and clothing.

Special abilities

White alder can partner with special root bacteria to pull nitrogen from the air, enriching poor soils for itself and other plants.

White alder has strong root systems that help stabilize riverbanks and stream beds, preventing soil erosion during floods.

White alder can grow very quickly, allowing it to quickly establish itself and compete for sunlight in its preferred watery habitats.

Measurements & details

Height: 1500-2500 cm
Spread: 800-1500 cm
Flower Size: 1-2 cm
Bloom Season: Late Winter to Early Spring
Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Wind

Ecological connections

symbiotic with

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Frankia alni

Bacteria in root nodules fix nitrogen for the tree.

eats

American Beaver

Castor canadensis

Beavers may cut down and eat parts of alder trees.

eats

Elk

Cervus elaphus

Elk browse on the twigs and foliage, especially in winter.

shelters

Western Gray Squirrel

Sciurus griseus

Squirrels build nests and find cover in alder branches.

Traits

Deciduous

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Nitrogen Fixing

Describes organisms capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into compounds usable by plants.

Broadleaf Tree

Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.

Fall Color

Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.

Rapid Growing

Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.

Timber

Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.