Plant Description

Alnus rubra

Red Alder is a native tree that does particularly well in wet areas. It produces brownish “catkins,” or cylindrical clusters of tiny flowers, in the spring. Red Alder is great for planting near streams, as it will provide erosion control and help shade the stream.

A full Red Alder tree with a blue sky in the background.

A Red Alder tree is seen against a blue sky.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristic Plant Information
Height at 20 yrs 50 ft
Mature Height 100 ft
Growth Rate Rapid
Life Span Perennial
Moisture Use High
Drought Tolerance Low-Moderate
Deer Browse Yes
Wildlife Value
Timber Value High
Resprout Ability Potential to resprout after wildfire
Hardiness USDA Zones 6-8
Flower Color Brownish
Bloom Time February-April
Habitat Streamside areas

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Classification Scientific Name
Kingdom Plantae
Clade Tracheophytes
Clade Angiosperms
Order Fagales
Family Betulaceae
Genus Alnus
Species A. rubra

Planting information

Sun

Full sun to mostly shade

Soil

Prefers gravelly soil to clay; tolerates seasonal flooding

Special Uses

Rain gardens, windbreaks, erosion control

Ease of Care

Easy

PLANT IMAGES