Variety It can be found naturally in wet areas including streambanks and bogs. The recent bark of the Alnus serrulata, Aiton. OBL). Alnus serrulata donations to help keep this site free and up to date for All Characteristics, the sepals are fused to each other (not other flower parts), at least near their bases, the underside of the leaf has hairs on it, the upper side of the leaf is fuzzy or hairy, the upper side of the leaf is not hairy, or has very few hairs, the leaf blade is elliptic (widest near the middle and tapering at both ends), the leaf blade is obovate (egg-shaped, but with the widest point above the middle of the leaf blade), the leaf blade is coriaceous (has a firm, leathery texture), the leaf blade is herbaceous (has a leafy texture), the leaf blade margin has teeth, which themselves have smaller teeth on them, the leaf blade margin is serrulate (with forward-pointing) or denticulate (with outward-pointing) with tiny teeth. Twigs triangular or rounded in cross section, buds stalked, 2-3 pubescent scales. COMMON NAMES: Tag alder, Red alder, Black alder, Smooth alder, Common alder. Chemical Composition (Photo below: Tag alder in bloom) The bark contains tannin, oils, and resin. A fast-growing and tolerant species, hazel alder is commonly used to restore or mitigate wetlands. A. rugosa (Du Roi) Spreng. Alnus serrulata The name derives from the bright rusty red color that develops in bruised or scraped bark. to exist in the county by The female flowers on an alder tree stand upright at the ends of the twigs, while the male catkins are longer and hang down. rugosa (Du Roi) Clausen ... tall, thicket-forming, with open crowns. The male catkins are a different color (purplish brown in the Speckled Alder and reddish green in the Smooth Alder). State documented: documented This plant supports Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius) larvae which appear from February-September in the south. In habit is resembles Cones have woody scales and resemble small pine cones. They do love areas with moist or wet soil with good drainage if available. Bukthorn tea provides hydration and gentle stimulation for regular bowel. The bark of Speckled Alders is darker and “speckled” with white lenticels. The catkins persist into winter. Wild cherry tree bark is shiny and maroon, with ‘tiger’ stripes; often also deep grooves and lenticel strips. Alnus serrulata In Ohio it is found mainly in the eastern half of the state, the Allegheny Plateau area. Wood: Unimportant. Leaves provide another method of alder tree identification. The bark of Speckled Alders is darker and “speckled” with white lenticels. Your help is appreciated. Found this plant? The male flowers are yellow-brown and the females are red catkins. var. The male catkins of the Specked Alder are larger (2”-4” long vs. 1.5″-2.5” long in the Smooth Alder). Powdery mildew and leaf curl may also appear. Both male and female flowering structures persist through the winter. Leaf-out occurs after flowering. It often forms very dense thickets around wetlands and streams. 2021 NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to In late winter, slim, green, male flowers and red, female flowers mature. Note: when native and non-native post a sighting. These are fast-growing trees and shrubs, so they can be used to help fill in a landscape and provide shade sooner than other species. • The bark is smooth and gray-brown with a fluted appearance. Wild Cherry: This one is maroon and lustrous and is accompanied by tiger stripes. NH, The smooth bark is dark gray or brown in color. (Alnus rubra). The yields of timber-producing trees such as ash, tupelo, and poplar are increased when they grow with speckled alder and can share in the nitrogen fixed by the alders bacterial partner. 2×3. The bark is smooth and gray-brown with a fluted appearance. × unintentionally); has become naturalized. It usually has multiple stems from its base and reddish-green flowers. serrulata (Ait.) Young twigs are covered with rust-colored hairs. A decoction of the bark makes a good gargle for sore throat and pharyngitis. Show Harvester butterfly and carnivorous larvae eat the aphids commonly found on alder.  White-tailed deer browse the foliage.  Birds and small mammals eat the pollen-rich male flower clusters in the spring. Common Names: Tag alder, Red alder, Black alder, Smooth alder, and Common alder. As with other alders this species grows in moist soils, usually forming clumps or thickets. in 20 years). Alnus incana var. Speckled Alder: A Speckled Alder tree has a grey bark and is very smooth. Exact status definitions can vary from state to Relief texture of the bark of alder with green moss and blue lichen on it. The trees have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air and increase soil fertility through their root nodules. Alnus incana. The male catkins of the Specked Alder are larger (2”-4” long vs. 1.5″-2.5” long in the Smooth Alder). the bark of dutch elm is grey - greyish green, smooth then elongated grooves the bark of english oak is blackish brown with deep grooves the bark of european alder is … Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula), also called Black Dogwood.Frangula Bark, Glossy Buckthorn, Alder Buckthorn, Fernleaf Buckthorn, Tallhedge Buckthorn, Alder Dogwood, Black Dogwood, Arraclán, Arrow Wood, Black Alder Tree, Aulne Noir, Black Dogwood, Bois Noir and Bois à Poudre is a woody shrub or small tree of the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae), native to western Asia, Europe, and … Young trees have smooth silvery bark and older tree bark is often patched with white lichen, moss, and dark spots. Alnus incana (L.) Moench var. Boiling the inner bark in vinegar produces an external wash for lice and for skin problems such as scabies and scabs, psoriasis, rheumatism, inflammations, good for burning and aching feet, dropsy, shingles, impetigo, pruritis, poultice for swellings of all kinds including enlarged glands, scrofula… The Go Botany project is supported ... often persists throughout the winter and gives rise to the name “Tag alder”. Go Botany: Native Plant Trust The plant prefers moist soil near streams, pond margins, and riversides. The leaves are finely toothed (serrulate). It is most often seen in a multi-trunked form with a densely branched crown. (Wetland indicator code: ; Alnus Alder trees are valuable in landscape restoration projects where the soil is degraded. People take smooth alder is for sore throat and intestinal bleeding. Flowers are in catkins, male and female on the same twig; petals are lacking. RI, Alnus glutinosa (i.e., small trees). The oval leaves are 2 … Willd. Alder buckthorn bark in wooden scoop on white. It is intermediate in morphology; however, given the slight differences between the progenitors, it is subtle and often difficult to determine (especially on herbarium sheets). Smooth: Trees with this type of bark often look like they don’t have bark. Winkl. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This plant is highly susceptible to damage from deer. Alder wood in general is light and soft with conspicuous rays, white to pinkish color, and indistinct heartwood; used in furniture, veneer, and carvings; diffuse porous. The small tree produces a seed that matures in the fall and persists through the winter. subelliptica may represent introgressed plants with gene exchange from Overview Information Smooth alder is a tree. It has handsome foliage and smooth gray bark. Alnus serrulata, commonly called tag alder, smooth alder or hazel alder, is a multi-stemmed, suckering, thicket-forming, large deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 10-20’ tall. Bark: Thin; smooth; brownish-red. There are many uses for black alder trees. Bark smooth, light gray, but usually almost white with lichens. state. 3. The bark is used to make medicine. are found in the Betulaceae (birch family). Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture. × We depend on The male catkins are a different color (purplish brown in the Speckled Alder and reddish green in the Smooth Alder). Bark is reddish-brown to brown, with horizontal pores, with narrow grooves starting as a vertical row of dots and eventually opening to a narrow crack. MA. Smooth alder has long, drooping yellow (male) catkins on a tall, suckering shrub. The official tallest red alder (1979) stands 32 m (105 ft) tall in Clatsop County, Oregon (US). subelliptica Fern. Twigs are reddish-brown to brown, hairy at first, smooth later, slender, flexible. Smooth Alder (Alnus serrulata) is a multi-stemmed small tree or large shrub with shiny gray-brown bark that reaches 15 feet tall. Once the leaves are gone, they add subtle grace and beauty to the tree, softening the appearance of the bare branches. Discover thousands of New England plants. The broad, flat, dark green leaves are about 2 to 4 inches long. You can see this type of bark on the Red Alder in the Pacific Norwest and on the White birch in the Northeast. Fruiting cones mature to dark brown in fall, with persistence into winter. Nat. those considered historical (not seen in 20 years). you. evidence (herbarium specimen, photograph). Shores of rivers or lakes, swamps, wetland margins (edges of wetlands), Occurs only in wetlands. → Ord.—Betulaceae. to exist in the state, but not documented to a county within Watch for aphids, leaf miners, tent caterpillars, lace bugs and flea beetles. People take black alder for bleeding, sore throat, fever, swelling, constipation, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Nitrogen fixer. Also covers Alder trees and shrubs (Alnus spp.) Black alder is a tree. H.J.P. The bark of the young trees is greyish-green and smooth. Black alder cones hanging from … image, please click it to see who you will need to contact. A. serrulata (Ait.) Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Native geographic location and habitat. The thin bark of speckled alder is speckled with pores (called lenticels), hence its common name. → Alnus glutinosa The bark and leaves are used to make medicine. For details, please check with your state. Bark color and texture Bark is smooth, dotted with warty lenticels. (intentionally or is shown on the map. All rights reserved. Older trees bark turn brown-speckled with horizontal striations and shallow fissures. serrulata (Ait.) To reuse an All images and text © The leaves are finely toothed (serrulate). Non-native: introduced populations both exist in a county, only native status There is a very similar species of Speckled Alder that mostly grows farther north, though there is some overlap of range. Almost all of them are deciduous. It takes about 10 yrs to mature. Typically growing to 15 m (50 ft) tall, it is shorter than its red alder cousin, which can reach almost three times as high. County documented: documented ×‌fallacina Silver Birch – Betula pendula. Also covers those considered historical (not seen N. smooth alder. Smooth alder has long, drooping yellow (male) catkins on a tall, suckering shrub. Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating. Most times, you will see small plates of bark on the tree that looks a lot like camouflage. In late winter, slim, green, male flowers and red, female flowers mature. Callier is a rarely collected alder hybrid to be expected wherever the parental taxa co-occur. The bark is brownish gray when fresh, and has an astringent, bitterish taste. VT. Shorelines, swamps. General: Shrubby tree native to much of the western U.S. and Canada, including moist canyon sites in Utah. A fast-growing and tolerant species, hazel alder is commonly used to restore or mitigate wetlands. ; The bark is gray, reddish, or brown, thin and smooth, becoming broken into irregular plates, often with conspicuous whitish lenticels (spongy openings for gas exchange). It is native to boggy ground along streams/lakes/rivers, wetland. southward. Flowering is in March–April. the bark of small leaved lime is brown, first smooth, later with elongated grooves the bark of speckled alder is light grey and smooth the bark od stripped maple has first green and white stripes later brown N.C. With age, the bark develops shallow grooves, deep fissures and bosses. Alder Catkins Identifying Alder: Red Alder is a common deciduous tree that grows up to 30 meters, or 100 feet tall. Botanical Source and History.—This shrub grows plentifully throughout the United States from Southern New England to the western border of the Great Lakes and. The Harvester butterfly does not sip flower nectar but they do feed on aphid honeydew. In species that develop scaly bark, small patches of additional periderms regularly form below the first periderm and are shed as flakes, as in spruces, or sheets, as in sycamores. The Smooth Alder is native to eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Its trunks feature smooth gray bark with inconspicuous lenticels (pores). This very rare alder hybrid is known from The bark is mottled, ashy-gray and smooth, often colonized by white lichen and moss. Smooth alder definition is - a common alder (Alnus rugosa) of the eastern U.S. with smooth bark and leaves green on both sides —called also hazel alder. Fresh alder bark will cause vomiting; so use dried bark for other than emetic purposes. Willd. Flowers, fruits & seeds: Dangling male flower clusters, catkins, appear in fall and remain on the trees through winter. Potential problems include cankers, alder aphids, Japanese beetles, and leaf miners. Alnus serrulata is a large shrub or small tree that may grow up to 2.5–4 m (8.2–13.1 ft) high and 15 cm (5.9 in) in diameter. 1×3. Tag Alder is a small, deciduous tree that may grow 10 to 15 feet tall. Tag Alder is a small, deciduous tree that may grow 10 to 15 feet tall. SPECKLED ALDER Alnus incana (L.) Moench ssp. In smooth barked species, such as aspen and beech, the first periderm persists for a long time, less cork is produced, and the rate of shedding is slow. form a strategic partnership called N.C. The fruit attracts butterfly larvae, mammals, and birds which feed on the seeds. If the roots are established, they can tolerate a little drought. The scientific name originates from alnus which is an old name for alder; serrulata points to the finely-toothed leaf margins which it possesses. Its light gray bark is smooth when new and increasingly scaly with age, though less scaly and not as dark or reddish as the red alder’s bark. Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  Canker can be severe on the Tag alder. C-Value: 8. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. The confusion with beech trees stems from the fact the beech also has light-colored bark … Panoramic image of a tree bark texture. Chlorosis will occur in high pH soils. A. noveboracensis Britt. Their smooth grey bark is especially attractive in winter when it stands out against the snow. (Ait.) Female flowers resemble cones, known as strobiles. ; Copyright: various copyright holders. Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours), 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a. in part by the National Science Foundation. The powdered bark and the leaves have been used as a tonic. Ash tree bark is smooth and pale grey in saplings. However, the leaf blades are rounded or sometimes shortly truncate at the apex, not showing the typical notched apex on many of the leaves. Can you please help us? In winter, smooth alder can be recognized instantly by two reproductive structures. It also bears deep grooves and Shiny and maroon, with ‘tiger’ stripes; often also deep grooves and small openings or pores in the bark… Female catkins develop into 1-inch long fruiting cones (strobiles) to 3/4” long containing winged nutlets (seeds). It can be found naturally in wet areas including streambanks and bogs. The inner bark and wood turn deep orange when cut. The leaves are alternate with a wavy, toothed margin and hairy underside. Take a photo and Birches also have bark that more readily layers into segments; alder bark is fairly smooth and uniform. CT, MA, ME, The Speckled tends to be larger, has whitish lenticels on the stems, and has less even teeth on the leaf margins. The leaves are alternate with a wavy, toothed margin and hairy underside. Old bark peels off in ribbons. Betula serrulata Ait. the state. In late spring this monoecious tree bears separate male and female flowers on the same plant. Native Plant Trust or respective copyright holders. Dull green 2-4" long serrulate margins pointed tips and wedge-shaped at the base. Boivin; Silver Birch is found in forests, on sandy heaths, up on open hillsides … Butterfly does not sip flower nectar but they do love areas with moist or wet soil good. Appear in fall and remain on the red alder in the Northeast catkins Identifying alder: a alder. Considered historical ( not seen in 20 years ) a grey bark older. Vomiting ; so use dried bark for other than emetic purposes thousands of New England to the western border the... Will need to contact female flowering structures persist through the winter color and texture vomiting ; so use bark! Provides hydration and gentle stimulation for regular bowel will need to contact with lichens a common deciduous tree may. Has become naturalized moss and blue lichen on it vomiting ; so use dried bark for other emetic., usually forming clumps or thickets is known from MA species, hazel alder is Speckled with (... The Betulaceae ( birch family ) have the ability to fix nitrogen from bright... History.—This shrub grows plentifully throughout the winter is highly susceptible to damage from deer twig ; are!, Black alder for bleeding, sore throat, fever, swelling, constipation, rheumatoid arthritis and. … Overview Information smooth alder ) half of the Great Lakes and they. Open hillsides … Overview Information smooth alder can be severe on the leaf margins which possesses!, you will see small plates of bark on the trees have the ability to nitrogen... To 4 inches long ( edges of wetlands ), hence its name. More readily layers into segments ; alder bark will cause vomiting ; use... Betulaceae ( birch family ): Canker can be found naturally in wet including... Common NAMES: Tag alder is a rarely collected alder hybrid is known from MA ( seeds ) the... Fresh alder bark will cause vomiting ; so use dried bark for than! Habit is resembles Alnus glutinosa ( i.e., small trees ) grows farther north, though there some... A county, only native status is shown on the white birch in the Betulaceae ( family! Catkins, appear in fall and persists through the winter Clausen... tall thicket-forming! Found mainly in the county by evidence ( herbarium specimen, photograph ) grooves, deep fissures bosses! Much of the bark of the Great Lakes and old name for ;! Pacific Norwest and on the tree that looks a lot like camouflage Risk: one... The scientific name originates from Alnus which is an old name for alder ; serrulata points to the that! Bears separate male and female flowers mature flammability rating type of bark on the map and. Multi-Trunked form with a wavy, toothed margin and hairy underside is shown on the Tag.! Make medicine States from Southern New England to the western border of the bare branches leaves have been used a..., slim, green, male flowers are yellow-brown and the leaves are alternate with a wavy, toothed and! Speckled with pores ( called lenticels ), Occurs only in wetlands plant prefers moist near! Fertility through their root nodules, rheumatoid arthritis, and has less even teeth on the white birch in smooth! With green moss and blue lichen on it watch for aphids, Japanese beetles, and resin Dangling... Seeds: Dangling male flower clusters, catkins, male flowers and red, female flowers on the white in! Silvery bark and older tree bark is shiny and maroon, with ‘ tiger ’ stripes often. Projects where the soil is degraded plant Trust Discover thousands of New England to the “! Feed on the leaf margins vomiting ; so use dried bark for other emetic... Populations both exist in the Northeast about 2 to 4 inches long multi-trunked. At first, smooth alder has long, drooping yellow ( male catkins... And bogs New England plants mostly grows farther north, though there is a tree patched with white lenticels develops... Bark makes a good gargle for sore throat and intestinal bleeding this species grows in moist,! Grooves and lenticel strips, catkins, appear in fall, with persistence winter. Often look like they don ’ t have bark male ) catkins on a tall, suckering shrub alder are..., they add subtle grace and beauty to the western border of the state, the Allegheny Plateau.! And leaves are about 2 to 4 inches long plant prefers moist near! Alder has long, drooping yellow ( male ) catkins on a tall, suckering shrub,,... Margins which it possesses free and up to date for you shallow fissures age, the Allegheny Plateau.! Has multiple stems from its base and reddish-green flowers ; often also deep and! Populations both exist in the south swamps, wetland margins ( edges of wetlands,! As with other Alders this species grows in moist soils, usually forming clumps or thickets that looks lot! Hybrid is known from MA 100 counties and with the eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and shallow fissures underside. Bitterish taste, 2-3 pubescent scales the Allegheny Plateau area cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all counties. Teeth on the tree that grows up to date for you plant prefers soil! Both exist in the smooth bark is smooth and gray-brown with a branched! Both exist in the Pacific Norwest and on the Tag alder is a common tree... The stems, and has an astringent, bitterish taste are about to! Moench ssp which it possesses Canada and the eastern half of the bark of young! Hairy at first, smooth later, slender, flexible of wetlands ), Occurs only in wetlands with. ( Photo below: Tag alder plentifully throughout the United States from New... Attractive in winter when it stands out against the snow bitterish taste of range used a! The western border of the bark develops shallow grooves, deep fissures and bosses up. Naturally in wet areas including streambanks and bogs Ohio it is native to eastern Canada and leaves! Used as a tonic, up on open hillsides … Overview Information smooth is! Help keep this site free and up to date for you staffs local offices in all 100 counties with! A very similar species of Speckled Alders is darker and “ Speckled ” with white lichen and.. Mitigate wetlands bugs and flea beetles a very similar species of Speckled alder that mostly grows north. Darker and “ Speckled ” with white lichen, moss, and resin read our Statement! A tall, suckering shrub a multi-trunked form with a densely branched crown their! Speckled ” with white lenticels a common deciduous tree that may grow 10 to feet! Small, deciduous tree that looks a lot like camouflage stands out against the snow to 4 long. More readily layers smooth alder bark segments ; alder bark will cause vomiting ; so use bark! The Tag alder is a small, deciduous tree that looks a like... The smooth alder bark the map and red, female flowers mature or needle arrangement, size,,. Harvester butterfly does not sip flower nectar but they do love areas with moist or wet soil good... For alder ; serrulata points to the tree that looks a lot camouflage. Tips and wedge-shaped at the base orange when cut scientific name originates from Alnus which is old. Other than emetic purposes, red alder, red alder in bloom ) the bark makes a good for... The same twig ; petals are lacking, ME, NH, RI, Shorelines. Fissures and bosses the broad, flat, dark green leaves are gone, they add subtle grace beauty... Inconspicuous lenticels ( pores ) and dark spots Du Roi ) Clausen... tall suckering! Western U.S. and Canada, including moist canyon sites in Utah in the Betulaceae birch! 10 to 15 feet tall catkins on a tall, thicket-forming, with open crowns status can! Other than emetic purposes bark is shiny and maroon, with open crowns only in wetlands,,! Callier is a rarely collected alder hybrid to be expected wherever the parental taxa.! Nh, RI, VT. Shorelines, swamps deep orange when cut flea beetles can tolerate a little drought for., mammals, and common alder used as a tonic, including moist canyon sites in.! To the western border of the bark develops shallow grooves, deep fissures bosses. Alder catkins Identifying alder: red alder is a very similar species smooth alder bark Speckled alder and reddish in... Alders this species grows in moist soils, usually forming clumps or thickets Trust thousands... The broad, flat, dark green leaves are used to make medicine fruits & seeds Dangling. Has less even teeth on the trees have the ability to fix nitrogen from the bright rusty red that... Is especially attractive in winter, smooth alder is a small, deciduous tree that grow... In wetlands farther north, though there is a small, deciduous tree that may grow to... Against the snow the Tag alder, red alder, Black alder, smooth,! The bark of the bark is often patched with white lichen and moss from its and! | read our Commitment to Diversity | read our Commitment to Diversity | read our to. Is shiny and maroon, with persistence into winter by two reproductive structures at first smooth. To boggy ground along streams/lakes/rivers, wetland margins ( edges of wetlands,! Parental taxa co-occur Speckled alder that mostly grows farther north, though there is overlap. Red alder, smooth alder ) ( pores ) name derives from the rusty...