Plant Description

Alnus rhombifolia

White Alder is a native tree that grows well in wet conditions. It is more tolerant of extremes – both flood and drought – than Red Alder. White Alder is also great for streambank stabilization and erosion control.

White Alder leaves, seen close up.

A close up of White Alder leaves.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristic Plant Information
Height at 20 yrs 50 ft
Mature Height 70 ft
Growth Rate Rapid
Life Span Perennial
Moisture Use High
Drought Tolerance Moderate
Deer Browse Yes
Wildlife Value Some value, particularly for shading streams
Timber Value High
Resprout Ability Potential to resprout after wildfire
Hardiness USDA Zones 8-11
Flower Color Green
Bloom Time February-May
Habitat Streamside areas

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

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

Planting information

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

Soil

Sand, gravel, or rocky soils; tolerant of drought and flood

Special Uses

Rain gardens, windbreaks, erosion control, nitrogen fixation

Ease of Care

Easy

PLANT IMAGES